Mahoberberis aquisargentii
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
Mahoberberis aquisargentii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Not known in the wild.
A bi-generic hybrid of garden origin, Mahonia aquifolia x Berberis sargentii.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The fruit is almost certainly edible, but we do not know what its quality is.
Medicine
Rating: 2
Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis and Mahonia 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. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Antitumor: Preventing, or effective against, tumors, it is used in the treatment of cancer. Probably synonymous with Cytotoxic.
Dysentery: Used in treating dysentery - an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Other
Rating:
The plant has viciously spiny leaves and makes a good boundary shrub.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Succeeds in most soils in sun or shade. Prefers a fertile well-drained soil. Plants only flower and fruit after a long warm growing season. Plants are reputedly immune to rust.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring. '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. 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. This species is a bi-generic hybrid and, if seed is produced, it is very unlikely to breed true. Wounded nodal semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist