Berberis aristata Chitra (Berberidaceae) Evergreen shrub

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Berberis aristata
Chitra
Evergreen shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Berberis aristata plant species is found in E. Asia - Himalayas in Nepal. It is a member of the Berberidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Chitra. Some home gardeners know the variety as B. chitria. B. coriaria.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Berberis aristata
Common Name:  Chitra
Family:  Berberidaceae
Author:  DC.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  3.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Shrubberies to 3500 metres[51].

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[145]. A well-flavoured fruit, it has a sweet taste with a blend of acid, though there is a slight bitterness caused by the seeds[194, K]. The fruit is much liked by children[194, K]. It is dried and used like raisins in India[2, 3, 177, 183]. The fruit contains about 2.3% protein, 12% sugars, 2% ash, 0.6% tannin, 0.4% pectin[194]. There is 4.6mg vitamin C per 100ml of juice[194].The fruit is about 7mm x 4mm[194] - it can be up to 10mm long[200]. Plants in the wild yield about 650g of fruit in 4 pickings[194]. Flower buds - added to sauces[177, 183].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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