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Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit raw or cooked. Very acid with a lemon-like flavour, it goes very well in a muesli[K]. Children and some adults like it raw, at least in small quantities, though most adults prefer to cook it and use it in pies, preserves etc[K]. The fruits are about 6mm long[1].

Fruit

Material uses

Plants can be grown as a tall ground cover when planted about 60cm apart each way[2]. A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Unknown part

Dye

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[3]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[3]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[3].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring[4]. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate[4], whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[5]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated[6]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame.

Cuttings of mature wood of the current season's growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame[4].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Berberis wilsoniae. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a warm moist loamy soil but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils[7][1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[7][1].

Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially the closely related B. aggregata[7][1]. The true species is seldom seen in cultivation, having been replaced with its hybrid progeny[8]. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value[7]. Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base[1].

This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Berberis wilsoniae. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Berberis wilsoniae.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Berberis wilsoniae
Genus
Berberis
Family
Berberidaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
  • Strong wind
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
Herbaceous or Woody
Life Cycle
Growth Rate
?
Mature Size
1 x 2 meters
Fertility
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type

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References

  1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
  2. ? 2.02.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
  3. ? 3.03.13.23.3 Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S. Medicinal Plants of China Reference Publications, Inc. ISBN 0-917256-20-4 (1985-00-00)
  4. ? 4.04.14.2 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
  5. ? McMillan-Browse. P. Hardy Woody Plants from Seed. Grower Books ISBN 0-901361-21-6 (1985-00-00)
  6. ? Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
  7. ? 7.07.17.27.37.4 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
  8. ? Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)

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