the Buckthorn, a genus of plants belonging to the pentandria clas; and in the natural method ranking under the 43rd order Dumofia. See Botany and Materia Medica Index.

The palirus, or thorn of Christ, a deciduous shrub or tree, belongs to this genus, and is a native of Palestine, Spain, Portugal, and Italy. It grows to nearly the height of 14 feet, and is armed with sharp thorns, two of which are at each joint, one of which is about half an inch long, straight, and upright; the other is scarcely half that length, and bent backward; and between them is the bud for next year's shoot. June is the time of flowering, and the flowers are succeeded by a small fruit, surrounded by a membrane. "This plant (says Hanbury) is undoubtedly the fort of which the crown of thorns for our blest Saviour was composed. The branches are very pliant, and the spines of it are at every joint strong and sharp. It grows naturally about Jerusalem, as well as in many parts of Judea; and there is no doubt that the barbarous Jews would make choice of it for their cruel purpose. But what farther confirms the truth of these thorns being then used, are the ancient pictures of our blest Saviour's crucifixion. The thorns on the crown of his head exactly answer to those of this tree; and there is great reason to suppose these were taken from the earliest paintings of the Lord of Life: and even now our modern painters copy from them, and represent the crown as composed of these thorns. These plants, therefore, should principally have a share in those parts of the plantation that are more peculiarly designed for religious retirement; for they will prove excellent monitors, and conduce to due reflection on and gratitude to 'Him who hath loved us, and has washed us from our sins,' &c.