Fuegian barberry, Crown barberry
Berberis empetrifolia
Family: Berberidaceae
What it is like
It is an evergreen shrub. It is spreading and almost lies along the ground. It grows to 45 cm high and spreads 60 cm across. There are spines on the branches. The leaves are dark green above and grey underneath. They have spines at their tips. The flowers are deep yellow. They occur singly or in pairs in the axils of the upper leaves. The fruit is black with a blue bloom.
There are about 450-500 Berberis species.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows to 3,500 m above sea level. It is in humid areas with constant rain. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. It can tolerate frost and snow.
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Central America, Chile, Panama, South America
How it is used for food
The fruit pulp is eaten raw.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Calafate, Calafatillo, Palo amarillo