BARBERRY 



Although widely dispersed throughout the whole of the British 

 Isles, the Barberry as a shrub, and one indeed which yields delicious 

 fruits for tarts, is probably in half of these introduced, and wherever it 

 is found in the hedgerow this must usually be the case, for our hedges 

 are quite modern. 



The Barberry occurs in copses and woods, and may in such localities 

 be native. As a host-plant for 

 the smut attacking wheat its dis- 

 tribution has been affected by 

 an Act of Parliament restricting 

 its occurrence. 



This is an erect, smooth- 

 stemmed fruit tree or shrub, 

 which tends to grow out in an 

 arching manner after a certain 

 distance, giving the boughs an 

 overhanging nature above. The 

 stem is yellow and angled. It 

 bears numerous pointed spines 

 or modified leaves, which are 

 divided into three, or seven, with 

 axillary buds bearing leaves. The 

 leaves are inversely egg-shaped, 

 toothed, alternate or in clusters. 



The clusters or racemes of 

 yellow flowers hang down in a 

 drooping manner. In fruit it 

 may be recognized by their long 

 scarlet character. 



It is 8-1 o ft. high, flowers from 

 April to May, and is perennial. 



The flowers are horizontal 



or inclined obliquely downwards. They are thus not fully protected 

 from the weather. The 3 inner sepals and 6 petals are curled inwards 

 at the tips, and protect the 6 stamens and 12 honey-glands from the 

 rain. The 3 inner sepals are conspicuous, the yellow petals quite 

 embrace the stamens, while the latter are undisturbed. The honey- 

 glands are at the base of the petals, thick and oval bodies of orange 

 colour, which are close to the inner side and base of the petal. 



The anther -stalks touch below, and before being touched bend 

 back and touch the portions of the petals below the honey-glands and 



Photo. Flatters & Garnett 



BARBERRY (Berberis vnlgaris^ L.) 



