Chinese hollygrape

Mahonia lomariifolia

Physical Characteristics

Mahonia lomariifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from January to March, and the seeds ripen from May to June. 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 semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - W. China to Burma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. The oval fruit is about 5 - 8mm long, it is quite juicy and has a nice acid flavour that children tend to love though many adults are less sure. The fruit is especially nice when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is often relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds, though plants often also produce seedless fruits[K]. Unlike many members of this species, the seedless fruits of this plant do not have a bitter flavour[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitumor Dysentery Tonic Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[218] and is used as a bitter tonic[213]. 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]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[213].

Known Hazards

None known