Berberis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Berberis |
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| Berberis darwinii shoot with flowers | |
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| Berberis thunbergii shoot with fruit | |
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Berberidaceae
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Berberis
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Berberis or barberry is a type of shrub. These plants usually have spines, bright yellow flowers, and red or blackish berries. People use barberry for different things, including medicines and cooking.
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About Barberry Plants
Barberry plants are a large group of shrubs. There are hundreds of different kinds. They grow in many parts of the world. Most barberry plants have sharp thorns. These thorns help protect the plant from animals.
What Do Barberries Look Like?
Barberry plants are known for their pretty flowers. These flowers are often yellow or orange. They usually grow in small bunches. After the flowers bloom, small berries appear. These berries can be bright red, orange, or even dark purple. Some barberry plants lose their leaves in winter. Others stay green all year round.
Where Do Barberries Grow?
You can find barberry plants in many places. They grow naturally in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North and South America. They like to grow in forests, on hillsides, and in open areas. Many people also plant them in their gardens. They are popular because they are tough and look nice.
How Are Barberries Used?
Barberry plants have been used for a long time. People use them for different purposes.
In Medicine
Some parts of the barberry plant are used in traditional medicine. For example, the roots and bark contain a substance called berberine. This substance is studied for its possible health benefits. It has been used to help with digestion and other health issues.
In Cooking
The berries of some barberry types are edible. They have a tart, sour taste. In some countries, like Iran, barberries are very popular in cooking. They are dried and used in rice dishes, stews, and desserts. They add a bright, tangy flavor to food. You might see them sprinkled on top of dishes.
In Gardens
Many people plant barberry shrubs in their gardens. They are used as ornamental plants. This means they are grown for their beauty. Their colorful leaves, bright flowers, and berries make them attractive. They can also be used to create hedges or borders. Some types are even used in Bonsai, which is the art of growing miniature trees.
Images for kids
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Several species of Berberis are cultivated in Iran for culinary purposes
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Crispy Brussels sprouts with barberries on top
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Berberis aggregata, fruits.
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Berberis aristata, from the Himalayas
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Berberis hybrid, with three-spined thorn (modified long shoot leaf) with leafy short shoot. Each thorn is 20 mm (0.79 in) long.
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Berberis hybrid, flower detail (flowers 7 mm (0.28 in) diameter).
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Berberis hybrid, fruit.
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Berberis thunbergii, shrub.
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Berberis valdiviana, flowers, from Chile (cultivated at Birmingham Botanical Gardens (United Kingdom))
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Berberis verruculosa, upper side of shoot above, lower side below.
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Berberis vulgaris, flowers and foliage, cultivated in Denmark
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Berberis prattii, fruit
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Barberry blossom in Eastern Siberia
See also
In Spanish: Barberis para niños
