Berberis Nevinii Is a Shrub

Berberis nevinii is a shrub found in California alone. It has been declared endangered and is in list 1B.of the endangered species of the State of California from 1987 and later the Federal Government declared it 'endangered' in 1998. (Calflora. Taxon Report 1074) Berberis Nevinii can grow to 6 feet in height, and has grey foliage. The leaves may be upto 3 inches long with lateral or ovalate leaves and the terminal leaflet is lanceolate. (McMinn, 127) It has bristles on the margines and flowers in March to May. It is a rare species that occur in San Fernando Canyon and parts of California. It has yellow flowers and juicy colored berry all of which makes it an ideal candidate for group cultivation as ornamental plants, hedges and other landscape uses, apart from its medicinal properties. (McMinn, 129) The plants are collected and cultivated for ornamental purpose at private residences in gardens and as hedges. The plant assumes importance owing to being endemic to California alone and also being depleted because of alternate land use encroaching on its habitat.

(a) Care of Berberis Nevinii

The plant is an ornamental and medicinal plant but there has not been a systematic study of its cultivation although it is cultivated as an ornamental plant and to make fences and hedges. The plant tolerates all climatic and soil conditions of its native place -- California. The requirements for the cultivation, borders on the climate of the state. However as of now, there is no concrete information about the present situation of the shrub, either on its population or life history. Little has been divided of the breeding and other aspects like pollination biology. It is indicated that the shrub grows from a fertile seed is never observed. (Fedde, CPC National Collection Plant Profile: Berberis nevinii)

The current need for protection arises from the fact that the habitat of Berberis nevinii is now taken over by farming development and other urbanization activities. It can be cultivated and is tolerant to many types of soils and different cultivation practices. The growth and cultivation is done by private owners now, and only about a few plants exist in federal land and thus under federal protection. Since the researches are inconclusive there is a greater need to research further into the reproduction and seeding requirements of Berberis nevinii. (Fedde, CPC National Collection Plant Profile: Berberis nevinii) The shrub is monitored by the Angeles National Forest, but there so far is no systematic study.

(b) Usefulness of Berberis Nevinii

The leaves have sharp spines and the rhizomes and tap roots of older plants are collected. The tap root is collected from the plants and the leaves are also used in preparations. The roots are cut and dried and use as tea preparations. (Kane, 80) Berberine can cause hemolytic deficiency. (Kane, 81) The species contain chemicals that are said to have medicinal properties. It contains alkaloids, berberine, columbamine and others like oxyacynthine and many more. It is said to be very effective against bacteria and other disease causing organisms and arrests their proliferation. (Kane, 79-80) The oil from the plant is used as an antiseptic in wounds, and treating fungus in the nails and for bacterial or mold created problems. It is also being used for purposes of indigestion. Some other possibilities include treatment for psoriasis, liver cooling, and in hepatitis. It is anti-inflammatory and is used in treating some aliment like strep throat and sinusitis too. The fruits are used in confectionery in producing jams and jelly.