Darwin's barberry
Berberis darwinii
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
An evergreen shrub. It grows 2.5-3 m high and spreads 3.5 m wide. The leaves are glossy and spiny. They are dark green above and paler underneath. They are small. They are like holly leaves. The flowers are small and cup-shaped and orange-yellow. They hang in large numbers among the leaves. The fruit are blue berries. They are 7 mm across. The fruit have many seeds.
There are about 450-500 Berberis species. This one can become invasive. There is some evidence it helps Alzheimer's.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is frost hardy. It can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. It has become naturalised in Australia in the Dandenong ranges in Victoria. It is wind hardy. It can grow in coastal locations. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. Mt Lofty Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, Europe, New Zealand, South America (country/location of origin), Tasmania
How it is used for food
The ripe fruit are eaten raw when fully ripe. The seeds are not eaten. The ripe fruit are used in preserves.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
It can be grown from cuttings taken in winter.
Its other names
Local names
Calafate, Mechay, Michay