Higher classification Barberry | Scientific name Berberis microphylla Rank Species | |
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Similar Barberry, Berberis darwinii, Berberis julianae, Berberis candidula, Berberis verruculosa | ||
Berberis microphylla, common name Box-leaved Barberry and Magellan Barberry, in Spanish calafate and michay and other names, is an evergreen shrub, with simple, shiny box-like leaves. The Calafate is native to southern Argentina and Chile and is a symbol of Patagonia.
The bush grows to a height of 1.0 to 1.5 m (3 ft 3 in to 4 ft 11 in). It has many arching branches, each covered in many tripartite spines. The bush has many small yellow flowers in summer. Its edible blue-black berries are harvested for jams, but are eaten fresh too - a legend tells that anyone who eats a Calafate berry will be certain to return to Patagonia.
The Calafate is grown commercially for its fruit, potential medical uses and as a garden plant or bonsai. Its wood is used to make a red dye. The cultivar Berberis microphylla 'Nana' is widely available as a garden shrub, and is also used in commercial plantings as a low spiny hedge to discourage intruders, but it does not fruit.
Berberis microphylla should not be confused with Mahonia microphylla T.S.Ying & GR.Long, native to China.
