Mahonia is a genus of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs and rarely small trees in the family Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia, the Himalaya, North and Central America. They are closely related to the genus Berberis and botanists disagree on whether to recognize a separate Mahonia. Some authorities argue Mahonia should be included in Berberisbecause several species in both genera are able to hybridize, and because when the two genera are looked at as a whole, no consistent morphological separation exists except simple versus compound leaves. However, recent DNA-based phylogenetic studies support recognition of Mahonia, though after the removal of several species into the newly-described genera Alloberberis (formerly Mahonia section Horridae) and Moranothamnus (formerly Mahonia claireae). Mahonia species typically have large, pinnate leaves 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) long with five to 15 leaflets, and flowers in racemes which are 5–20 cm (2.0–7.9 in) long.
The genus name Mahonia honors the Philadelphia horticulturist Bernard McMahon, who introduced the plant from materials collected by the Lewis and Clark expedition.
The type species of the genus is Mahonia aquifolium, ( Oregon - grape ) from the Pacific coast of North America.
Several species are popular garden shrubs, grown for their ornamental, often spiny, evergreen foliage, yellow (or rarely red ) flowers in autumn, winter and early spring, and blue - black berries. The flowers are borne in terminal clusters or spreading racemes, and may be among the earliest flowers to appear in the growing season. The berries are edible, and rich in vitamin C, though with a very sharp flavor.
Copyright 2024 puzzlefactory.com All rights reserved.
