Berberis rariflora

Berberis rariflora is an evergreen shrub in the barberry family, Berberidaceae. It grows wild in Bolivia, including the area around La Paz. Kew places it in the subtropical biome. Useful Tropical Plants reports it on high ground in tropical Bolivia. There, it grows above about 9,840 feet [3,000 metres]. The source does not say what kind of wild site it grows in. People pick fruit from wild plants for local food.

The shrub grows upright and has spines. Its woody frame holds leaves all year. Useful Tropical Plants lists its height as about 6.6 feet [2 metres]. The same source describes a taller limit of 9.8 feet [3 metres]. These heights suggest some range in size. They do not show what range to expect in gardens. The sources give no mature width. They give no details on leaf shape, bark, or flower colour. They do not state when it blooms. Insects pollinate the flowers. The plant can also pollinate itself. The source lists it as self-fertile.

Plants For A Future suggests this shrub for woodland gardens. It suggests shade broken by light, and shaded edges of planted areas. The sources give no winter hardiness rating for this species. They set no watering schedule or soil pH range. Useful Tropical Plants says it can regrow from its base after hard pruning. It also says the plant crosses freely with other barberries. These traits may matter when tending plants or growing them from seed.

People eat the fruit fresh or cooked. They also use it to make a drink. The roots yield a yellow dye. Food use does not mean all parts are safe. Useful Tropical Plants reports that all parts contain berberine. Roots, stems, and inner bark hold more than the fruit. Too much can cause vomiting and low blood pressure. It can slow the heartbeat, too. It can also cause marked tiredness and other harmful effects.

To grow new plants, the source says to sow seed soon after it ripens. Seed from overripe fruit may take longer to sprout. Stored seed may need a spell of cold treatment. Young seedlings can suffer from damping off, so good airflow matters. Growers can also raise new plants from cuttings. The source does not confirm whether this species is prone to stem rust.