About Berberis microphylla G.Forst.
Berberis microphylla G.Forst., commonly known as calafate, is a shrub that reaches a height of 1.0 to 1.5 meters (3 feet 3 inches to 4 feet 11 inches). It produces many arching branches, each covered in numerous tripartite spines. In summer, the bush bears many small yellow flowers, followed by blue-black berries. Its edible blue-black berries are harvested for use in jams, and are also eaten fresh. A local legend holds that anyone who eats a calafate berry will certainly return to Patagonia. The berries are also used as an additive in alcoholic beverages, including calafate beer. This species is grown commercially for its fruit, for its potential medical uses, and as a garden plant or bonsai. Its wood is used to produce a red dye. The cultivar Berberis microphylla 'Nana' is widely sold as a garden shrub, and is also used in commercial plantings as a low spiny hedge to discourage intruders, though this cultivar does not produce fruit.
