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Mahonia holly. Legends, myths, symbolism, description, cultivation, methods of application

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Content

1. Photos, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism
2. Genus, family, origin, range, chemical composition, economic importance
3. Botanical description, reference data, useful information, illustrations
4. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology
5. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Holly mahonia, Mahonia aquifolium. Photos of the plant, basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Basic scientific information, legends, myths, symbolism

Sort by: Magonia (Mahonia)

Family: Barberries (Berberidaceae)

Origin: North America

Area: Holly mahonia is widespread in western North America, from Alaska to California, as well as in Canada and Mexico. Introduced to Europe and Japan.

Chemical composition: The root system of holly magonia contains alkaloids (berberine, hydroberberine, palmatin), flavonoids (camferol, rutin), tannins, dyes, essential oil and other biologically active compounds.

Economic value: Mahonia holly is popular in landscape design for creating hedges and group plantings, as well as a honey plant. In addition, the roots and rhizomes of Holly Magonia have traditionally been used in folk medicine to treat skin diseases, liver and gastrointestinal tract diseases, and also to strengthen the immune system. In modern medicine, holly magonia is used as a source of berberine, a biologically active substance that has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects.

Legends and myths: In some cultures, mahonia is associated with protection from evil forces. For example, in ancient Celtic traditions, carnation and mahonia were used to protect against magic and sorcery. In some traditions mahonia is also associated with majesty and power. Symbolically, mahonia can represent strength, beauty and vitality. Its bright yellow flowers are considered a symbol of the sun, while its dark green leaves are a symbol of vitality and growth. The shrub is also associated with the beginning of spring and the renewal of life.

Holly mahonia, Mahonia aquifolium. Description, illustrations of the plant

Holly mahonia, Mahonia aquifolium. Botanical description of the plant, area, methods of application, cultivation

The generic name mahonia was given in honor of the American gardener of Irish origin Bernard McMahon (1775-1816), who successfully acclimatized plants on the east coast of the United States, which were brought from the west of the country by the Lewis and Clark expedition (1803-1806), as well as the author of the American Garden Calendar, which was published in 1806.

Holly this type of mahonia is named for the outward resemblance of its leaves to the holly holly. Mahonia is also popularly called lily-of-the-valley bush, holly grapes, holly barberry - for the shape and aroma of its flowers resembling lilies of the valley, for thorny leaves like holly, and for berries that look like dark grapes.

Holly mahonia is a low evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and bright yellow flowers similar to mimosa. This type of shrub is small - up to 1 m in height and 1,5 m in width. On young shoots, the bark is pinkish-gray, and on old shoots it is brown-gray, with longitudinal stripes.

For most of the year, the leaves of the holly mahonia are rich bronze-green in color on red stems, and in winter they are painted in bright red and even purple hues. The leaves are pinnate, consist of 5-9 leaflets, 15 to 20 centimeters long. The leaves are leathery, dark green and glossy above, the network of veins is pressed into the flesh of the leaf; below the leaves are matte, pale green in color, the edge is notched-sharp-toothed. Leaflets are 3 to 9 centimeters long, 1,5 to 2,5 centimeters wide. Lateral leaflets are unequal, attached on reddish petioles 0,5 to 2 centimeters long.

Magonia flowers are holly-leaved with a diameter of about 8 millimeters, collected in large panicles or brushes, light yellow with a lemon tint, quite bright, fragrant. The plant is an excellent honey plant. Flowering occurs in April-May.

Mahonia berries are oblong-elliptical in shape, up to 10 millimeters long, up to 8 wide, covered with fluff. In color, they are green at first, and as they mature, they acquire a dark purple color unusual for other plants with a bluish bloom. Inside the berries there are 2-8 oblong seeds, each up to 4,5 millimeters long. The taste of the fruit is sweet and sour. Ripening occurs in August-September. After ripening, the berries can remain on the bush for up to 5 months, while their taste and useful properties do not deteriorate.

Mahonia holly - the most undemanding and cold-resistant shrub of mahonia. Its natural range is the western states of the United States from British Columbia to California. The plant was introduced to Europe in 1823 and has since spread virtually everywhere.

Magonia holly can grow in almost any, even the most unfavorable conditions. It quickly spreads, forming abundant thickets due to the growth of the root system (root offspring). Plantings of holly mahonia can often be found in the resorts of the Caucasian Mineral Waters, although it can grow up to the latitude of Arkhangelsk. It is noteworthy that even in the north, holly mahonia remains an evergreen plant.

Mahonia fruits contain a lot of vitamin C, the roots contain berberine and other alkaloids that give the roots a bitter taste. The bark also contains many biologically active substances - berberine, copper, manganese, zinc, sodium, silicon.

Mahonia fruits are edible and are used in confectionery, for making wine, jams and jelly, and are also used to tint wines. They are also consumed fresh, dried, and compotes are cooked from them. Fresh berries can be added to muesli or other breakfast cereals. Magonia berries keep well - they can be sprinkled with sugar and stored in a glass jar all winter.

The use of mahonia fruits improves blood composition. Mahonia roots are used in medicine due to the high content of berberine, an active substance with an antibacterial effect. Some studies show its ability to block the development of tumors. Berberine is also used in the production of bitter tonics.

The bark of the plant contains many biologically active substances (berberine, berbamine, copper, manganese, zinc, sodium, silicon), which are used in homeopathy to treat various dry, scaly skin diseases, including psoriasis.

The chemical components of holly mahonia improve the functioning of the entire digestive tract. Due to their pronounced choleretic action, they soften the stool, thereby helping to prevent or cure constipation, gallbladder disease, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids. Very good infusions and decoctions of mahonia bark help with irritable bowel syndrome.

The pharmaceutical industry produces an extract from the root of the holly mahonia, which contains a lot of useful substances - ascorbic acid (vitamin C), alkaloids, tannins, organic acids, etc.

The local population of California has been using the extract of the root of the holly mahonia for a long time as a general tonic and an appetite enhancer. In addition, it helps to activate the metabolism and thereby slow down the aging of the body, strengthen the immune system, and normalize the functioning of the cardiovascular system. The extract contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.

Holly mahonia root extract has proven itself well for hepatitis, cholecystitis, blockage and inflammation of the biliary tract, and intestinal dysbacteriosis. It is considered a very effective antiviral and antibacterial drug. With its help, a variety of skin diseases of a viral and bacterial nature (herpes, eczema, skin rashes) are treated.

In addition, holly mahonia preparations improve blood circulation and lymph outflow, strengthen the walls of blood vessels and capillaries. According to some reports, mahonia's antioxidants are 15 times more effective than vitamin E.

Magonia has anti-cancer properties, so it has become the object of close attention from biochemists. Berberine and other alkaloids contained in the plant have a detrimental effect on a whole range of pathogens and even kill pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, viral diarrhea, candida, Giardia, etc. Berbamine, another mahonia alkaloid, protects the bone marrow and promotes its recovery after radiation and chemotherapy for cancer.

Magonia holly is contraindicated in chronic diarrhea, hyperacid gastritis and duodenal ulcer, as it can aggravate the course of these diseases. Mahonia root preparations are contraindicated during pregnancy. In some people, mahonia can cause nausea and diarrhea, so you should also focus on individual tolerance.

Mahonia, including holly, is one of the most widespread ornamental plants used in Europe. Magonia is smoke and gas resistant, which is of great importance for landscaping large cities. In addition, magonia belongs to shrubs that are decorative throughout the year. It is valued for its shiny sharp-toothed leaves and fragrant yellow flowers collected in brushes or heads resembling mimosa. When mahonia blooms, it creates a completely unique flavor of the composition. Its flowers are also used to create wreaths and bouquets. Its unusual dark purple edible berries are also beautiful.

The versatility of mahonia allows them to be widely used in landscape design, as an architectural plant, for planting on hillsides, in natural gardens imitating a forest belt, in the background of a mixborder, in a group of other trees and shrubs, in rockeries. Mahonia look great among other forest trees that bloom with them at about the same time - rhododendrons, camellias, saroccocus, pieris, hydrangeas, etc.

Freshly cut elegant branches with mahonia flowers fill the room with a pleasant aroma, while dried ones are an interesting addition to a dry bouquet. Blooming mahonia are a good honey plant. They also love mahonia and birds, for which ripening berries are an excellent delicacy in winter and early spring.

Mahonia are one of the most unpretentious heat-loving plants in culture. They put up with any soil, if they are rich in humus and hold moisture well, which mahonia loves very much. However, water stagnation should be avoided. Magonias are not affected by pests; only fungal infections can be dangerous from diseases.

Magonia is propagated by seeds, semi-lignified cuttings, leaf buds, layering and root shoots. Seeds should be sown immediately after ripening, in summer or autumn. However, since most magonias are hybrids, the new plant may differ from the parent. Cuttings are also planted in summer. The most convenient way to propagate magonia is root shoots, which the plant forms in large quantities.

Most magonias prefer partial shade or even full shade, but the bushes also grow well in the sun. In milder climates, mahonia thrive well when planted against a warm house wall that provides protection from frost and wind. In cold climatic zones, young plants need to provide reliable shelter for the winter with the help of dry leaves and spruce branches.

In the climatic conditions of England, most types of mahonia bloom from late autumn to early spring, and the berries ripen in the spring. In areas where sub-zero temperatures are constantly kept in winter, flowering begins in April-May, and berries ripen at the end of summer. Plants planted with partial shelter bear fruit best.

Holly mahonia, Mahonia aquifolium. Recipes for use in traditional medicine and cosmetology

Ethnoscience:

• Treatment of skin diseases: Magonia holly is often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and acne. To do this, you can prepare a tincture of the roots and rhizomes of the holly mahonia. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed roots and rhizomes, leave for 30 minutes and drink 1/4 cup 3 times a day.
• Improving digestion: Magonia Holly can also help improve digestion. To do this, you can prepare a tincture of the roots and rhizomes of the holly mahonia. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed roots and rhizomes, infuse for 30 minutes and drink 1/4 cup before meals.
• Treatment for runny nose and cough: Magonia holly can help in the treatment of runny nose and cough. To do this, you can prepare a tincture of the roots and rhizomes of the holly mahonia. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tablespoon of crushed roots and rhizomes, leave for 30 minutes and drink 1/4 cup 2-3 times a day.
• Reducing Inflammation: Magonia Holly has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation. To do this, you can use holly mahonia oil, which is applied to the skin to reduce inflammation and irritation.

Cosmetology:

• Mask for the face: Mix 1 teaspoon mahonia bark powder with 1 teaspoon honey and enough water to make a paste. Apply to face and leave on for 15-20 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
• Face tonic: Mix 1 tablespoon of mahonia bark powder with 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 30 minutes. Cool, strain and add a few drops of lavender essential oil. Use as a tonic to hydrate and refresh your skin.
• Face cream: Mix 1 tablespoon mahonia bark powder with 1 tablespoon coconut oil and 1 tablespoon shea butter. Heat the mixture until it becomes liquid, then cool and apply on the face as a cream to moisturize and nourish the skin.
• Shower gel: Mix 1 tablespoon mahonia bark powder with 1 tablespoon castor oil and enough water to make a gel. Use to wash your face and cleanse your skin of impurities and make-up.

Attention! Before use, consult with a specialist!

Holly mahonia, Mahonia aquifolium. Tips for growing, harvesting and storing

Holly mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) is an evergreen shrub with bright yellow flowers and blue berries. It grows in North American forests and can reach a height of up to 2 meters. In culture, holly mahonia is a popular plant for landscaping gardens and parks.

Tips for growing, harvesting and storing holly mahonia:

Cultivation:

• Magonia holly prefers loose, moist, but well-drained soil. It is best grown in a semi-shady location or in an open sunny location with protection from the hot sun during the summer months.
• Holly mahonia is best planted in the fall when the soil is still warm, or in the spring before new leaves appear.
• When planting, make sure that the roots of the plant are sunk into the soil to a depth equal to the depth at which they grew in the container.
• The distance between plants should be approximately 1-2 meters.
• Holly mahonia does not require special care, but it is recommended to water the plant regularly during periods of drought. In addition, you can fertilize it with organic fertilizer in spring and autumn.
• If desired, you can prune the bush in the spring to maintain its shape.

Workpiece:

• Berries of holly mahonia can be harvested in September-October when they ripen.
• The berries have a bitter taste but can be used to make jams and jellies.

Storage:

• Harvested mahonia berries can be stored in a cool and dry place for several days.
• For longer storage, berries can be frozen or dried.
• Magonia holly leaves can be harvested at any time of the year and dried for further use as a spice or tea.

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