Berberis chitria

Physical Characteristics

Berberis chitria is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft). It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Condiment Fruit - raw or cooked[272]. The roasted seeds are pickled[272].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Cancer Dysentery Ophthalmic Stomachic The juice of the bark is used to treat peptic ulcers[272]. It is also boiled then filtered and used as eyedrops to treat various eye inflammations[272]. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis species, has marked antibacterial effects. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[218]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[218]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[218].

Known Hazards

None known