The Gilbardeira (Ruscus aculeatus) has as its main characteristic modified branches that take on the appearance of leaves ending in a kind of thorn. Its fruit, which appears at the same time as the holly, is a bright red berry. Because its “leaves” sting, this plant was once used to keep rats away from food that was hung in cellars and traditional kitchens, and was therefore known as the Ratpecker. Because it is a very resistant plant, brooms were made from it, which were used to clean chimneys. The Gilbardeira is also known by other names, Holly-thorn, Holly-small, Vasculum-weed, Gibaldeira, Gibardeira, Myrtle-thorn, and Rat-pecker. In addition to its ornamental value, Gilbardeira has therapeutic, diuretic, sudorific and laxative properties that apothecaries have known for a long time.