Mahonia napaulensis

Physical Characteristics

Mahonia napaulensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from March to April. 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 and can grow in heavy clay soil. 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 - Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[272]. An acid flavour, but it is rather nice raw especially when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds[K]. The fruit can also be dried and used as raisins[2, 51, 158, 177]. The ovoid fruit is about 12mm long[200].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Antitumor Dysentery Ophthalmic Tonic The fruits are said to be diuretic and demulcent[240, 272]. They are used in the treatment of dysentery[240]. A decoction of the bark is used as eye drops to treat inflammations of the eyes[272]. 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