Mahonia gracilipes - (Oliv.)Fedde.
(Oliv.)Fedde.
gbif· cc-by-nc
North Carolina State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (NCSC-)
gbif· cc-by-nc
North Carolina State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (NCSC-)
gbif· cc-by-nc
North Carolina State University Vascular Plant Herbarium (NCSC-)
Description
Mahonia gracilipes is an evergreen Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year. 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 and nutritionally poor soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Fruit - raw or cooked. We have no specific information on the fruit of this species, but all members of the genus have more or less edible fruit.
Medicinal Uses
Antibacterial Antitumor Bitter Dysentery. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects and is used as a bitter tonic. 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. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn.
Distribution
E. Asia - Western China western Sichuan province.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Sichuan Sheng, Yunnan Sheng (northeast))
Cultivation
An easily grown shrub, it thrives in any good garden soil including heavy clays. Prefers a semi-shaded woodland position in a damp, slightly acid to neutral humus-rich soil. Plants can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c. Plants are very tolerant of pruning and can be cut right back into old wood if they have outgrown their welcome. Plants produce suckers and form gradually spreading clumps. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Propagation
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. Division of suckers in spring. Whilst they can be placed direct into their permanent positions, better results are achieved if they are potted up and placed in a frame until established. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
