Find Me A Cure - Part 38

Berberis chinensis

Botanical Name: Berberis chinensis
Family: Berberidaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Berberis

Synonyms:
*Berberis iberica
*Berberis serotina
*Berberis sinensis

Common Names: Common barberry, European barberry or simply Barberry.

Habitat: Berberis chinensis is native to the Caucasus. It grows on the sandy mountain slopes and river sands.The shrubs prefer a sunny to half-shady situation on moderately moist soil. The substrate should be sandy loam, gritty loam or sandy clay. The plants tolerate temperatures down to -23°C.

Description:
Berberis chinensis is a deciduous Shrub. It grows 2.5 to 3 metres in height. Leaves are simple and alternate. It
produces brilliant greenish yellow cup-shaped flowers in May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.The shrubs produce berries.

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.

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Cultivation:
Prefers a warm moist loamy soil and light shade but is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants are hardy to about -25°c. Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base. This species is closely related to B. poiretii. C.K.Schn., differing in its broader leaves and dark red fruits. The range of this plant is often mistakenly given as the Caucasus, this is based on a misidentification. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.

Propagation:
Through seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame

Edible Uses: Fruits are edible eaten -cooked or raw.

Medicinal Uses:
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. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity.

Other Uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Berberis+chinensis
https://en.hortipedia.com/Berberis_chinensis

Herbs & Plants

Berberis chitria

Botanical Name: Berberis chitria
Family: Berberidaceae
Subfamily: Berberidoideae
Genus: Berberis
Species: Berberis chitria

Synonyms: Berberis chitria var. occidentalis Ahrendt.

Common Names:

Hindi :Chotar, Kashmal
Nepali : Chutro

Habitat: 1800 – 2700 metres in the Himalayas. Mainly in moist places at elevations of 2000 – 3000 metres in Nepal.

Description:
Berberis chitria is an erect, spiny, evergreen shrub that branches freely from the base; it can grow up to 5 metres tall. Stem and shoots terete, dark reddish-brown, finely pubescent to subglabrous; internodes 2.5-5 cm long; spines (1-) 3-fid, 1-2(-3) cm long. Leaves obovate to elliptic, 2-6(-10) cm long, 1.5-2.5 (-4) cm broad, dull to pale green, subsessile, finely reticulate, usually 3-9 spinulose at the margin, sometimes almost entire. Inflorescence (5-) 8-12(-17) cm long, 10-20-flowered, loosely corymbose-paniculate, with flowers usually in groups of three, including peduncle (1.5-)4-6(-8) cm long, drooping. Flowers 12-18 mm across, yellow, often tinged with red; pedicels 8-15 mm long, glabrous. Prophylls c. 1.5 mm long, appressed, at middle of pedicel or the base of flower. Sepals obovate, outer 6-7 mm long, inner 9-10 mm long, Petals 8-9 mm long, broadly elliptic, emarginate and subacute at the apex. Stamens 7 mm long, subapiculate at the apex. Ovules 4-5, with longer stipes. Berries dark red-brown, 10-12 mm long, 4-6 mm broad, narrowly ovoid or oblong-ellipsoid, epruinose, excluding 1-1.5 mm long style Flowers are bisexual, greenish yellow, about 15-20 mm across on elongated glabrous rachis, rachis about 9-11 cm long, pedicels about 10-18 mm long, bracts lanceolate or ovate, apex acute, about 2-4 mm long, prophylls about 1.5-1 mm long, sepals 6, in 2 series, outer series smallest and inner series largest, outer series 3, unequal, oblong to ovate. Flowering during May-June. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a food.

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Cultivation:
Berberis chitria prefers a warm moist loamy soil and light shade but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
There is much confusion in the naming of this species, it is frequently confused with Berberis aristata and it lacks a valid name. The name given above is liable to be changed.

Plants can be pruned back quite severely and resprouts well from the base.
Some Berberis species (especially Berberis vulgaris) harbour the black stem-rust fungus (Puccinia graminis Persoon). This is a major disease of wheat and barley crops and can spread from infected barberries to the grain crop. The sale or transport of susceptible or untested species of Berberis is illegal in the United States and Canada. This species has been found to be susceptible to the disease.

Propagation:
Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, preferably with a heel, autumn in a frame.

Edible Uses:
Fruits are edible,eaten – raw or cooked.The roasted seeds are pickled.

Medicinal Uses:
The juice of the bark is used to treat peptic ulcers. It is also boiled then filtered and used as eyedrops to treat various eye inflammations.

The alkaloid berberine, which is universally present in the roots and stems 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.
It should not be used in combination with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine.
Berberine has also shown antitumour activity.

Other Uses:
The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.
A yellow dye is obtained from the roots and stems. The wood is used for fuel.

Known Hazards:
All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid berberine – this is most concentrated in the roots, stems and inner bark, and least concentrated in the fruits. In small quantities berberine has a range of effective medicinal applications but, in excess, can cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, lethargy, and other ill-effects.
The fruit of most, if not all, members of this genus are more or less edible and can be eaten in quantity since the levels of berberine in the fruit are very low.

Resources:
http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Berberis+chitria
http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=5&taxon_id=242420736

Herbs & Plants

Berberis concinna

Botanical Name: Berberis concinna
Family: Berberidaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Berberis

Common Names: Berberry

Habitat: Berberis concinna is native to E. Asia – Himalayas in Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet. It grows on woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade.

Description:
Berberis concinna is a low-growing, semi-evergreen shrub. with stout, spiny stems. An erect plant that is much-branched from the base, it can reach a height of 2 metres. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is self-fertile.

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The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It (2013).

Cultivation:
Prefers a warm moist loamy soil and light shade but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. A very ornamental plant. Plants can be pruned back quite severely and resprout well from the base.

Propagation:
Through Seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame.

Edible Uses: Fruits are edible- eaten raw. The fleshy oblong berries are up to 18mm long.

Other Uses:This is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.The roots and stems of all Berberis species contain alkaloids and, when cut open, are a strong yellow colour. This has been utilized by various cultures to make a yellow dye for cloth etc.

Known Hazards:
All parts of the plant contain the alkaloid berberine – this is most concentrated in the roots, stems and inner bark, and least concentrated in the fruits. In small quantities berberine has a range of effective medicinal applications but, in excess, can cause vomiting, lowered blood pressure, reduced heart rate, lethargy, and other ill-effects.
The fruit of most, if not all, members of this genus are more or less edible and can be eaten in quantity since the levels of berberine in the fruit are very low.

Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Berberis+concinna

Herbs & Plants

Berberis cooperi

Botanical Name: Berberis cooperi
Family : Berberidaceae
Kingdom :Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus Berberis
Species Berberis cooperi Ahrendt

Synonyms: Berberis lasioclema Ahrendt

Common Names:

Habitat: Berberis cooperi is native to E. Asia – Bhutan. It grows on the Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Description:
Berberis cooperi is a deciduous shurb. It grows 1 to 2 meter,stem is strongly grooved,yellowish, spines 1-1.5cm. Leaves obovate, 1.5-3.5 x 0.7-1.5cm,acute or obtuse, mucronate , base attenuate,margins usuallly spinose-dentate. Inflorescence at least in part shortly racemose,peduncles 0.7-1.5cm, 2-3-flowered, otherwise fasciculate, pedicels 1-2cm, finely pubescent. Sepals oblanceolate or obovate up to 6-7 x 3-4mm, sometimes with 1or2 of the outermost half as large, Petals obovate, 5-5.5 x 3.5-4mm. Ovules 3-4.Berries red, broadly ellipsoid or subglobose, c 8 x 7-8mm, with short styles.

Leaves are alternate,simple or 1-pinnate, herbaceous or coriaceous,exstipulate. Flowers solitary or several to many in fascicles or racemes,bisexual,actinomorphic.Sepals and petals similar,usually 6 of each in whorls of 3,free,yellow or greenish,sometimes tinged with red,petals with 2 oblong glands near base.Stamens 6,slightly adnate to base of petals,anthers opening by valves.Ovary consisting of a single carpel, superior,ovules few,basal,style short or absent,stigma rounded.Fruit a berry.

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Cultivation:
Prefers a warm moist loamy soil and light shade but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants can be pruned back quite severely and resprout well from the base.

Propagation:
Through seed – best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame, when it should germinate in late winter or early spring. Seed from over-ripe fruit will take longer to germinate, whilst stored seed may require cold stratification and should be sown in a cold frame as early in the year as possible[80]. The seedlings are subject to damping off, so should be kept well ventilated. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots and grow them on in a cold frame. If growth is sufficient, it can be possible to plant them out into their permanent positions in the autumn, but generally it is best to leave them in the cold frame for the winter and plant them out in late spring or early summer of the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current season’s growth, preferably with a heel, October/November in a frame.

Edible Uses:
Fruit are edible, eaten – raw or cooked. An acid taste, but it is pleasant raw in small quantities.

Other Uses: A yellow dye is obtained from the root.

Resources:
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Berberis+cooperi
https://biodiversity.bt/group/royal_botanical_garden%252C_serbithang/species/show/1713

Herbs & Plants

Berberis darwinii

Botanical Name: Berberis darwinii
Family: Berberidaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Ranunculales
Genus: Berberis
Species: B. darwinii

Synonyms:
*Berberis costulata Gand.
*Berberis darwinii var. magellanica Ahrendt
*Berberis knightii (Lindl.) K.Koch
*Mahonia knightii Lindl.

Common Names:Darwin’s Barberry, Darwin’s berberis

Vernacular names: Michay, Calafate, and Quelung.

Habitat: Berberis darwinii is native to southern Chile and Argentina and naturalized elsewhere. It grows on the moist shady woodland in the Patagonian mountains. A species of disturbed forest habitats, it has now become a common roadside shrub.

Descriiption: Berberis darwinii is an evergreen thorny shrub. Growing to 3–4 m (9.8–13.1 ft) tall. It has dense branches from ground level. The leaves are small oval, 12–25 mm (0.47–0.98 in) long and 5–12 mm (0.20–0.47 in) broad, with a spiny margin; they are borne in clusters of 2–5 together, subtended by a three-branched spine 2–4 mm long. The flowers are orange, 4–5 mm long, produced in dense racemes 2–7 cm long in spring. The fruit is a small purple-black berry 4–7 mm diameter, ripening in summer.

Berberis darwinii was discovered in South America in 1835 by Charles Darwin during the voyage of the ‘Beagle’. It was one of many named in honour of Darwin. The berries of this species are known to have been consumed by prehistoric native peoples in the Patagonian region over millennia.

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Cultivation:
Berberis darwinii can tolerate considerable winter cold, with temperatures dropping as low as -15°c.
Prefers a warm moist loamy soil in full sun or light shade but it is by no means fastidious, succeeding in thin, dry and shallow soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds on chalky soils if other conditions are suitable but prefers an acid soil. Dislikes exposure to strong winds according to one report, whilst others say that it is a very wind hardy plant, tolerating maritime exposure. Does not flower well in exposed positions. Plants growing in a very exposed position on our trial grounds in Cornwall are flowering and fruiting well, they are rather slow growing but are looking very happy and healthy.
A good bee plant. Birds love this fruit and will happily eat it all before it is fully ripe. If you want to experience the fully ripe fruit then it might be necessary to find ways of keep the birds off the plants.
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Plants can be pruned back quite severely, they resprout well from the base.
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus.
Some Berberis species (especially Berberis vulgaris) harbour the black stem-rust fungus (Puccinia graminis Persoon). This is a major disease of wheat and barley crops and can spread from infected barberries to the grain crop. The sale or transport of susceptible or untested species of Berberis is illegal in the United States and Canada. This species has been shown to be resistant to infetion by the fungus.

Edible Uses:
Fruit – raw or cooked and used in preserves. An acid but very pleasant flavour, children seem particularly fond of the fruit. When fully ripe, the fruit loses most of its acidity and makes very pleasant eating. Unfortunately there is a lot of seed compared to the amount of flesh and this does detract somewhat from the pleasure of eating it. The fruit goes very well raw in a muesli or cooked in a porridge. The bark blue berries are about 7 – 8mm long.

Medicinal Uses:
The root bark is tonic.

Other Uses:
Plants are very amenable to trimming and can be used as a formal hedge. They also make a very good informal hedge, their long arching branches looking especially attractive when in flower or bearing fruit. The plants tolerate maritime exposure though they are slow growing. A yellow dye is obtained from the root and bark

Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berberis_darwinii
http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Berberis+darwinii