Chinese hollygrape (Mahonia lomariifolia)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −17.8 °C
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 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. 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. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. 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. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
Edible uses
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 uses
Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects.
Habitat
Forests around 2000 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - W. China to Burma.