Practical
Plants

Mahonia napaulensis

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Mahonia genus in the family Berberidaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Mahonia
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
2.5 m
Spread
3 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw or cooked[13]. An acid flavour, but it is rather nice raw especially when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit can also be dried and used as raisins[7][14][3][4]. The ovoid fruit is about 12mm long[8].

Plant part
Fruit

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The fruits are said to be diuretic and demulcent[11][13]. They are used in the treatment of dysentery[11]. A decoction of the bark is used as eye drops to treat inflammations of the eyes[13]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[10] and is used as a bitter tonic[9]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[10]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[10]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[10]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[9].

Product or use
Antibacterial
Product or use
Antitumor
Product or use
Tonic
Product or use
Ophthalmic

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A yellow dye is obtained from the stem and leaves[16].

Product or use
Dye

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.
Habitat
Dense wet oak and rhododendron forests to 2900 metres[14][6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 6+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[17]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. 'Green' seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks[K]. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°c. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half ripe wood 15cm long, July in individual pots in a frame[17]. Division of suckers in spring[17]. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established[2]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil[2]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a semi-shaded woodland position in a damp slightly acid to neutral humus rich soil[8]. Requires a position sheltered from cold or strong winds[1]. The plant is slightly tender in Britain[1] though it does well in Cornwall[15]. It under performs in areas where temperatures regularly fall below -10°c[8]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts[K]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance[12]. At least one named variety has been developed for its ornamental value. 'Maharajah' appears to be hardier than the type species[5]. Closely allied to M. acanthifolia[2] (which is quoted as a synonym of this species in some books). The differences stated between the two species do not hold true in the wild but in cultivation M. acanthifolia has leaflets with a dull surface, flowers in the autumn and is hardier than many of the spring flowering introductions of M. nepaulensis. Resistant to honey fungus[18].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Gupta. B. L. Forest Flora of Chakrata, Dehra Dun and Saharanpur. Forest Research Institute Press 1945-00-00

    ↩

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

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  6. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Shrubs. Pan Books 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30258-2

    ↩

  7. Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6

    ↩

  8. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  9. Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6

    ↩1↩2

  10. Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  11. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  12. Genders. R. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale. London. 1994-00-00 ISBN 0-7090-5440-8

    ↩

  13. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  14. Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  15. Thurston. Trees and Shrubs in Cornwall.

    ↩

  16. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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  17. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  18. RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00

    ↩

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