Berberis darwinii

Species

Darwin's barberry (Berberis darwinii) is a long-lived, evergreen shrub that is native to southern Chile and Argentina. It was introduced to New Zealand as a garden ornamental and was first recorded in the wild (naturalised) in 1946. The plant grows up to about 4 metres tall and has dark green, glossy leaves with 3–5 sharp spines along each edge. A five-pointed spine is present beneath each leaf. It flowers from July to February, producing hanging clusters of orange-yellow flowers, followed by dark purple to black berries with a bluish-white waxy coating from November to February. It tolerates shade, drought and frost, and is somewhat tolerant of poor drainage. It resprouts after physical damage and grazing. It reproduces by seed and vegetative growth. Seeds are dispersed by vertebrates, including birds and possums. The plant also regenerates from root suckers, layers and the crown. Seeds remain viable in the soil for about one year.

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