Mahonia trifoliolata
Mexican Barberry
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Mahonia genus in the family Berberidaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Berberidaceae
- Genus
- Mahonia
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 2 m
- Fertility
- Bees
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Bees
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Fruit - raw or cooked[7][12][17]. An acid flavour but nice, especially when added to porridges or muesli[K]. A subtle tart flavour, it is pleasant to eat raw[6]. Unfortunately there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit is also used to make preserves[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[10] and is used as a bitter tonic[5][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
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A yellow dye is obtained from the inner bark of the stem and roots[13][14][2][5]. It is green according to another report[4]. An ink is made from the wood[13][14]. Dark green, violet and dark blue-purple dyes are obtained from the fruit[4]. A green dye is obtained from the leaves[4]. Makes a good hedge[2]. The wood is a source of tannin[13].
- Product or use
- Dye
- Product or use
- Ink
- Product or use
- Tannin
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- South-western N. America - Texas, Arizona, Mexico.
- Habitat
- Dry calcareous soils[15]. Slopes and flats in grassland, shrubland, and sometimes open woodland at elevations of 0 - 2000 metres[11].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- 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[16]. 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[16]. 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[8]. It does well in a hot, dry position[3]. Succeeds in a good garden soil[1]. The form in general cultivation in Britain (M. trifoliolata glauca. I.M.Johnst.) comes from the southern part of its range[15], it is only hardy on a sunny wall in this country or as a free-standing shrub in the very mildest areas[12][1]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. A good bee plant[2]. Resistant to honey fungus[18].
References
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Vines. R. A. Trees of Central Texas. University of Texas Press 1987-00-00 ISBN 0-292-78958-3
Holliday. I. and Hill. R. A Field Guide to Australian Trees. Frederick Muller Ltd. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-85179-627-3
Grae. I. Nature's Colors - Dyes from Plants. MacMillan Publishing Co. New York. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0-02-544950-8
Pesman. M. W. Meet Flora Mexicana. Dale S. King. Arizona. 1962-00-00
Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9
Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-486-20459-6
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Weiner. M. A. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books 1980-00-00 ISBN 0-449-90589-6
Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. 1985-00-00 ISBN 0-917256-20-4
Flora of N. America http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/fna/
Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles 1972-00-00 ISBN 0-7153-5531-7
Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00
Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202
Ahrendt. Berberis and Mahonia. Journal of the Linnean Society, 57 1961-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00
Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press 1967-00-00 ISBN 0-8623-0343-9
RHS. The Garden. Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society 1987-00-00