Not only sakura. Mahonia aquifolium in Uzhgorod

A small shrub with yellow flowers can be found these days in Uzhgorod. In particular, if you have been in the botanical garden of UzhNU on Olbrakht street, they will show the Mahonia aquifolium shrub during the tour when telling about spring floral highlights. It grows deep into the garden, in the greenhouses.

However, we have also found mahonia on the streets. In particular, you can admire its flowers near the shop at the end of Tolstoy street (near the "Electron") and on Ruska street in a private estate (opposite the house №18).

Mahonia aquifolium is an evergreen plant of the Berberidaceae family. It comes from the North America. The shrub is 1-1.5 m high. Its flowers are yellow, they appear in April – May. It has edible fruit. In industry, it is used as a colorant in the production of wine. It is resistant to adverse conditions of the urban environment.

It also has medicinal properties. Its berries contaign a large amount of ascorbic acid which enhances the protective functions of the organism. Fruits have antibiotic effect and act as an anticancer agent. Also, berberine, which is found in berries, helps to protect the bone marrow.

Mahonia is also used in cooking. Tasty and healthy jam is made out of the fruits. Beverages, such as wine, jelly, juice and the like also can be made.