Berberis wallichiana
DC.
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(c) T. Abe Lloyd, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by T. Abe Lloyd
Description
Berberis wallichiana is a SHRUB growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw.
Medicinal Uses
Dysentery. The roots contain the alkaloids berberine, oxyacanthine and umbellantine. They are antibacterial and are used in Vietnam in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, ophthalmia and dyspepsia. 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.
Distribution
E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Where It Grows
TROPICAL ASIA: India (Meghalaya), Nepal
Cultivation
Not known
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. Germination averages out at about 90%. 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. Suckers, removed in late autumn/early winter and planted out in situ or potted up and planted out in late spring.
Other Uses
A yellow dye is obtained from the root.
