We were walking along a footpath that runs alongside Dunedin Botanic Gardens when we came across these colourful Mahonia berries. Given it’s early spring in New Zealand it came as a surprise to see berries but some Mahonia species flower in winter so I guess that’s why. Photos taken by Liz 04 Sept 2020.
Click on any photo to enlarge
Text and photos by Liz; Exploring Colour (2020)
Exploring Colour 
These are certainly very impressive, Liz! I like all the different shades of colour as the berries cascade. Great photos, too!
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Thank you very much! ~they were quite a sight!
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Such a beautiful cascade of berries, Liz, especially because of the different hues. I don’t think I have ever seen such an opulent mahonia crop.
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Great to hear that you also share an appreciation for their beauty Tanja! I imagine you’ve seen many more than I have so you’d have a much better basis for comparison.
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I have never seen anything like it, Liz, our Mahonia species are much simpler. In case you are interested, here is a link to the two species I’m familiar with:
https://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/mahonia.htm
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Lovely cascading colors, very pretty! That’s a big crop!
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Yes.. I was amazed to see the profusion of berries!
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They look like the penny candy on a string we used to get as kids.
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Oh yeah, I think I remember seeing those! If I had a few coins I’d spend them on aniseed or spearmint sweets every time 🙂
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What beautiful photos of the trailing berries growing on this amazing tree! The twice enlarged second photo provides great details of the leaves and berries. The Mahonia aquifolium, or as my friend called it the Oregon Grape-Holly, is the only variety that I have ever seen. During a visit to Oregon several years ago, I was enchanted by the prickly holly-like leaves with a few remaining yellow flowers that were already becoming clusters of round berries that would later have a dusky-blue color. I was told that the berries are edible when ripe though sour tasting…but were left for the birds to enjoy! I wanted to have one in my yard, but the colder northeastern weather here does not allow it. Hoping you are well and enjoying the Spring. Autumn will soon arrive here, my favorite season of the year! Thank-you!
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That looks just like the mahonia in my garden – I think it’s probably mahonia x media ‘Charity’ which is a popular one over here. It flowers in December and January, so spring berries must be a useful food source for the birds in early spring. A good plant! 🙂
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We have Mahonia aquifolium here – somewhat different than yours, but purple berries are always so appealing!
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