Herb latin name: Mahoberberis aquisargentii


Family: Berberidaceae (Barberry Family)



Medicinal use of Mahoberberis aquisargentii:

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

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
2 m
(6 1/2 foot)

Flowering:
January
to March

Habitat of the herb:

Not known in the wild.

Edible parts of Mahoberberis aquisargentii:

The fruit is almost certainly edible, but we do not know what its quality is.

Other uses of the herb:

The plant has viciously spiny leaves and makes a good boundary shrub.

Propagation of Mahoberberis aquisargentii:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. It usually germinates in the spring. "Green" seed (harvested when the embryo has fully developed but before the seed case has dried) should be sown as soon as it is harvested and germinates within 6 weeks. Stored seed should be sown as soon as possible in late winter or spring. 3 weeks cold stratification will improve its germination, which should take place in 3 - 6 months at 10°C. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. This species is a bi-generic hybrid and, if seed is produced, it is very unlikely to breed true. Wounded nodal semi-ripe cuttings in late summer or early autumn.

Cultivation of the herb:

Not known in the wild.

Known hazards of Mahoberberis aquisargentii:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.