Magellan barberry
Berberis buxifolia

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It loses its leaves in cold winters. It is erect and grows 2.4 m high. It spreads 3 m wide. The branches arch over. The leaves are dark green. The leaves are narrowly oval and have a spine at the end. The flowers are deep orange-yellow. They are in the axils of upper leaves. They can be single or in pairs. The fruit are dark purple or black. They are 8 mm across. Probably now Berberis microphylla.

There are about 450-500 Berberis species.

Where it is found

Plants are cold hardy. They can tolerate temperatures down to -15°C. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Britain, Chile, Europe, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. The fruit can be used for pies and tarts.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Calafate, Michay

Synonyms

Berberis dulcis Sweet.;