Muthundi
Berberis holstii

Family: Berberidaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 3 m high. It has spines divided into 3 parts. These can be 3 cm long. The leaves are in bunches and have 3 leaflets. They are very small. The flowers are yellow and several occur in a group. These groups can be 7 cm long. The fruit are red to blue-black. They are oval and 8-12 mm long by 6-7 mm wide. The seeds are 6 mm long by 3 mm wide.

There are about 450-500 Berberis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows at the edges of the forest. In East Africa it grows between 1,500-3,450 m altitude. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten as a snack food.

The fruit are eaten especially by children.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kamukururi, Kipsoroin, Mukekenye, Murage, Olekikuuni

Synonyms

It is very similar to Berberis aristata DC.;