Berberis koreana
Korean barberry
Berberis koreana, commonly known as Korean barberry, is a deciduous shrub native to East Asia. Renowned for its vibrant seasonal foliage and delicate yellow blooms, this ornamental species is increasingly valued in medicinal traditions. It contains bioactive compounds that offer potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for supporting metabolic health and inflammation.
- Scientific name: Berberis koreana
- Family: Berberidaceae
- Native range: Asia-Temperate
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Berberis koreanana, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Ranunculales. Finally, it is a member of the family Berberidaceae and falls under the genus Berberis.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Ranunculales | WCVP |
| Family | Berberidaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Berberis | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Berberis koreana, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In German, it is called Koreanische Berberitze, while in Polish, it is known as Berberys koreański. Its native Korean name is 매자나무, and in Swedish, it is identified as Koreansk berberis. Additionally, in Azerbaijani, the species is called Koreya zirinci.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| de | Koreanische Berberitze | Wikidata |
| pl | Berberys koreański | Wikidata |
| ko | 매자나무 | Wikidata |
| sv | Koreansk berberis | Wikidata |
| az | Koreya zirinci | Wikidata |
| fa | زرشک کرهای | Wikidata |
| zh | 朝鲜小檗 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 朝鲜小檗 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 朝鮮小檗 | Wikidata |
| arz | بربريس كوريا | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific and somewhat fragmented geographical distribution across different parts of the world. Its primary natural habitat is located in Eastern Asia, specifically within the regions of Korea. Additionally, the species has established a presence in the Northeastern United States. Within this American territory, it can be found growing in the state of Vermont. Consequently, the distribution of Berberis koreana spans from East Asian landscapes to specific locales in North America.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Asia | Korea | WCVP |
| Northeastern U.S.A. | Vermont | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Berberis koreana, exhibits a complex structural morphology where each part contributes to its botanical identity. The sturdy trunk serves as the central support, anchoring the shrub and providing a pathway for nutrient transport. Extending from the branches are the distinctive leaves, which are arranged to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Within these leaves, specialized leaf tissues—including the epidermis, mesophyll, and vascular bundles—work in unison to facilitate gas exchange and metabolic processes. During its reproductive phase, the plant produces delicate flowers that attract pollinators, eventually giving way to the development of its fruits, which serve as the vessel for seed dispersal and represent a key component of its life cycle.- Total parts
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| trunk | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaf tissues | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| flowers | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Berberis koreana has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxybiphenyl, berbamine, berbekorin A, phenol.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| 4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxybiphenyl | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berbamine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| berbekorin A | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| phenol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |