Mahonia napaulensis
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −23.3 °C
Cultivation
An easily grown plant, it thrives in any good garden soil. The plant is slightly tender in Britain. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts[K]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. The flowers have a delicate sweet fragrance. At least one named variety has been developed for its ornamental value. 'Maharajah' appears to be hardier than the type species. Closely allied to M. acanthifolia (which is quoted as a synonym of this species in some books). The differences stated between the two species do not hold true in the wild but in cultivation M. acanthifolia has leaflets with a dull surface, flowers in the autumn and is hardier than many of the spring flowering introductions of M. nepaulensis. Resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. 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 a cold frame for at least their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of half ripe wood 15cm long, July in individual pots in a frame. Division of suckers in spring. Leaf cuttings in the autumn.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw or cooked.
Medicinal uses
The fruits are said to be diuretic and demulcent. A decoction of the bark is used as eye drops to treat inflammations of the eyes. Berberine, universally present in rhizomes of Mahonia species, has marked antibacterial effects.
Material uses
A yellow dye is obtained from the stem and leaves.
Habitat
Dense wet oak and rhododendron forests to 2900 metres.
Native range
E. Asia - Bhutan, Nepal, Sikkim and Uttar Pradesh.