Mahoberberis aquisargentii

Physical Characteristics

Mahoberberis aquisargentii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to March. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

A bi-generic hybrid of garden origin, Mahonia aquifolia x Berberis sargentii.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: The fruit is almost certainly edible, but we do not know what its quality is[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitumor Dysentery Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Berberis and Mahonia 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