Calapate
Berberis ruscifolia
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
A woody shrub. It grows 2 m high. It has many branches. The leaves are long and rounded towards the end. There are 1-3 spines at the tip. The flowers are on groups with short stalks. The fruit are blue-black berries. They are acid and bitter.
There are about 450-500 Berberis species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. In Argentina it grows between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Brazil, South America, Uruguay
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Calafate, Espinoa colorada, Palo amarillo, Quebrachillo, Sach uva, Talilla, Ubilla