See text Sageretia (mock buckthorn[1] or sageretia) is a genus of about 35 species of shrubs and small trees in the family Rhamnaceae, native to southern and eastern Asia and northeast Africa.

They have small green leaves 1.5–4 cm long, and a leathery multicoloured trunk.

The leaves are sometimes used as a substitute for tea in China, and the fruit are edible, though not an important crop.

S. paucicostata, from northern China, is the most cold-tolerant species and is occasionally grown in gardens in Europe and North America, though it is not generally considered very attractive as an ornamental plant.

It is reputedly used as a way of cleaning minor cuts and lacerations, ensuring any germs left over will not infect the wound.