Wildflower of the valley
Indian Barberry
Berberis aristata
- How easy to find
- Rare — you will see it only in some places
- Flower size
- Small
- Family
- Berberidaceae (Barberry family)
- Local name
- Kingor
- Type
- Shrub
- Height
- 3 m
- Altitude
- 2400–3500 m
- Flower colour
- yellow
- Flowering
- March to June
About Indian Barberry
Berberis aristata is an armed shrub of 3 m tall. Leaves are elliptic-ovate in shape. Flowers are bright yellow. The specific name Aristata means a bristle like tip. The genetic name Berberis is a name of Arabic fruit.
Where to find it
- Along the trail from Govindghat to Ghangaria
Habitat
In open places and shruberries.
Uses & folklore
In Ethno medicine juice of bark or root is used in the treatment of opthamia. Roots are used for the treatment of fever. Fruits are edible. In Ayurveda, Bark of the stem and roots are used to treat anemia, diabetes, constipation, dysuria, erysipelas, eye diseases, jaundice, leucorrhoea, menorrhagia and wounds. The plant contains active principle called a Berberine which has antibacterial and marked properties. Anti cancer property has also been reported in the species.
What the name means
Berberis is thought to come from Arabic berberys, an old name for the fruit; aristata means "bearing awns" or "bristled".
Don't confuse it with
Berberis jaeschkeana (sno 125) has smaller leaves and yellowish flowers; B. aristata is the widespread commercial "Daruhaldi".
