Berberis jamesiana
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It loses its leaves during the year. It grows 1-3 m tall. The branches are dark grey and the shoots are purple. It has spines. The leaves are 3-8 cm long by 1-4 cm wide. Flowers are in groups of 9-20. The fruit is a creamy white berry that ripens to light red. It is 10 mm long by 8 mm wide.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of forests and along riversides between 2,100-3,600 m above sea level. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan in China.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, China, Himalayas, Tibet
How it is used for food
The young shoots, leaves and fruit are eaten fresh.
It is commonly used as a snack and spice.
Edible parts
Shoots, stems, leaves, fruit
How it is grown
In Yunnan plants are harested from May to September.
Its other names
Local names
Qiesi