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Darwin's berberis
Scientific Name: Berberis darwinii
Family: Berberidaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Darwin's Barberry (Berberis darwinii)
Berberis darwinii, commonly known as Darwin's Barberry, is a popular evergreen shrub appreciated for its vibrant flowers and dense foliage.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is a thorny shrub.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is a thorny shrub.
- The leaves are spiny.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Berberis darwinii Hook.
- Common Names: Darwin's Barberry, Darwin's Berberis
- Family: Berberidaceae
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to southern Chile and Argentina.
- Introduced as an ornamental plant in Britain.
Ecological Role
- Mentioned in the context of needing to be destroyed, suggesting it may be considered invasive in some regions like New Zealand.
Morphological Characteristics
- Evergreen shrub, typically growing to 3 meters (9 feet) tall and 3.5 meters (11 feet) wide, but can reach up to 5 meters (16 feet).
- Thorny, with spiny shoots.
- Leaves are simple, often spine-toothed, dark green, and glossy.
- Produces small yellow or orange flowers in axillary clusters or racemes during April and May. The flowers are mildly scented.
- Followed by small berries.
- Fast-growing.
Cultivation
- Hardy to zone (UK) 7 and is not frost tender.
- Prefers full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil.
- Tolerant of shade.
Quirky Facts
- Discovered by Charles Darwin in 1835.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Two biological control agents, both weevils, have been approved for release.
Further Information
- USDA PLANTS Database: http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=BEDA
- ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Information System): http://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleR.