About Mahonia fortunei (Lindl.) Fedde
Mahonia fortunei (Lindl.) Fedde is an evergreen shrub. It typically reaches a height of 2 meters, though it can occasionally grow as tall as 4 meters. It has an upright, spreading growth habit with a somewhat rounded overall shape. It grows at a slow to moderate rate and forms vegetation of moderate density. Its leaves are alternately arranged and odd-pinnately compound. The upper surface of leaves ranges from dull to dark green, while the undersides are pale yellowish green. Leaf blades can grow up to 28 centimeters long and 18 centimeters wide. Foliage grows in bunches at the tips of stems. Its inflorescence is a raceme that holds 4 to 10 fascicles of yellow flowers. The flowers have a sweet scent and are pollinated by insects. The fruit it produces is a rounded purple-blue berry, approximately 0.5 centimeters long. The fruit is edible with an acidic flavor, and contains numerous seeds. It can be consumed either cooked or raw, and contains a good amount of vitamin C. This species is widely cultivated in China, as well as in other regions including Indonesia, Japan, and the United States. It is grown as an ornamental plant for gardens, valued for its multicolored leaves and yellow flowers. Its fruits attract birds. It is not prone to pest problems and is tolerant of heat. It works well as a hedge, and can also be kept in containers to grow as a houseplant.
