Practical
Plants

Mahonia swaseyi

Texas Mahonia

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
Fertility
Bees
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Bees

Uses

Edible uses

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

Fruit - raw but more usually cooked in preserves[2]. Pleasantly acid, it can also be dried and used as raisins[2]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit, which can be dry or juicy, is up to 15mm in diameter[2][6]. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[2].

Product or use
Coffee
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.

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[5] and is used as a bitter tonic[4]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[5]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[5]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[5]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[4].

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

Environment

Range
South-western N. America.
Habitat
Besides rocky streams in Texas. Endemic to the Edwards Plateau in Texas, where it grows on limestone ridges and canyons at elevations of 150-600 metres[6].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
no shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
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 greenhouse[7]. 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 the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter. Division of suckers in spring[7]. 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[1]. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.

Cultivation

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

Unlike most members of the genus, this species requires a dry, perfectly drained position in full sun, a gritty slightly acid soil is best[3]. It does well in a hot, dry position[3] and grows best on a sunny south facing wall[1]. It requires as sunny a position as possible[1][3]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[3]. This plant has been recommended for improvement by selection and breeding as an edible fruit[2]. Closely related to M. haematocarpa, differing mainly in having broadly ovate bracts up to 8mm long[1]. It is also closely related to M. nevinii[3].

References

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  2. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

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

    ↩1↩2

  5. 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

  6. Flora of N. America http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/

    ↩1↩2

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

    ↩1↩2

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