Mahonia lomariifolia
| Mahonia lomariifolia | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 16' |
| Width: | 10' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Mid Winter-Early Spring |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Mahonia lomariifolia
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse[1]. It usually germinates in the spring[K]. '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[K]. 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 the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer and consider giving them some protection from the cold for their next winter.
Division of suckers in spring[1]. 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[2].
Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
Cultivation: Succeeds in any good garden soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Dislikes windy positions. Prefers a shady sheltered position, growing well in woodland according to one report whilst another says that it requires a warm sunny sheltered position.
This species tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c when it is fully dormant[3], but plants can be badly damaged by cold drying winds[3] and are not fully hardy in the colder parts of Britain. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
The flowers are fragrant[4].
There is some confusion over the flowering and fruiting times of this species, I have seen some plants flowering in mid to late spring, whilst others have flowered in the winter and ripen their fruit in late spring to early summer - more research needs to be carried out in order to check if more than one species is grown under this name[K].
Very tolerant of pruning, it can be cut right back into old wood if it has outgrown its welcome[5].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus.
Resistant to honey fungus[6].
Range: E. Asia - W. China to Burma.
Habitat: Forests around 2000 metres[3].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked. The oval fruit is about 5 - 8mm long, it is quite juicy and has a nice acid flavour that children tend to love though many adults are less sure. The fruit is especially nice when added to muesli or porridge[K]. Unfortunately, there is often relatively little flesh and a lot of seeds, though plants often also produce seedless fruits[K]. Unlike many members of this species, the seedless fruits of this plant do not have a bitter flavour[K].
Medicinal: Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects[7] and is used as a bitter tonic[8]. Since it is not appreciably absorbed by the body, it is used orally in the treatment of various enteric infections, especially bacterial dysentery[7]. It should not be used with Glycyrrhiza species (Liquorice) because this nullifies the effects of the berberine[7]. Berberine has also shown antitumour activity[7]. The root and root bark are best harvested in the autumn[8].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Seed Ripens: Late Spring-Early Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
- ↑ Genders, Roy. Scented Flora of the World. Robert Hale, 1994.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ RHS. The Garden Volume 112. Royal Horticultural Society, 1987.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Duke, James and Edward Ayensu. Medicinal Plants of China. Reference Publications, 1985.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Weiner, Michael. Earth Medicine, Earth Food. Ballantine Books, 1980.