List of Berberis and Mahonia species explained

Berberis and Mahonia are two widespread and common members of the Berberidaceae, found in many countries.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] Botanists have for many years had no consensus on the classification, some preferring to treat the group as a single genus (Berberis), while others opt to separate the two groups into distinct genera. Therefore, many species have two scientific names, one in Berberis, the other in Mahonia, each used by botanists on one side of the debate.

A third generic name, Odostemon, can be found in older literature. It is considered by most authorities to be a rejected synonym for Mahonia, yet the Plant List does accept a few species in this genus.[8]

This is an old argument not likely to be resolved soon, and certainly not here on Wikipedia. Our interest is in assisting readers find the web pages on the appropriate species, despite the dual nomenclature. Below are species accepted by The Plant List as members of one genus or the other, all alphabetized by specific epithet with links to synonyms in the other genus, if such a synonym exists.[9] [10] World Flora Online which replaced The Plant List (since 2013), only lists species of Berberis and places Mahonia as a synonym. They list up to 623 species.[11]

Notes and References

  1. Ahrendt, Leslie Walter Allen. 1961. Journal of the Linnean Society 57: 1-410
  2. Loconte, H., & J. R. Estes. 1989. Phylogenetic systematics of Berberidaceae and Ranunculales (Magnoliidae). Systematic Botany 14:565-579.
  3. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=103816 Flora of North America Vol. 3 Barberry, Oregon-grape, berbéris, algerita, Berberis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 330. 1753; Gen. Pl. ed. 5, 153, 1754.
  4. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=119469 Flora of China Vol. 19 Page 772 十大功劳属 shi da gong lao shu Mahonia Nuttall, Gen. N. Amer. Pl. 1: 211. 1818.
  5. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=103816 Flora of China Vol. 19 Page 715 小檗属 xiao bo shu Berberis Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 330. 1753.
  6. McCain, J. W. and J. F. Hennen. 1982. Is the taxonomy of Berberis and Mahonia (Berberidaceae) supported by their rust pathogens Cumminsiella santa sp. nov. and other Cumminsiella species (Uredinales)? Systematic Botany 7: 48-59.
  7. Moran, R. V. 1982. Berberis claireae, a new species from Baja California; and why not Mahonia. Phytologia 52: 221-226.
  8. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=Odostemon+ The Plant List, search for Odostemon
  9. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=berberis The Plant List, search for Berberis, not updated since 2013
  10. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/search?q=mahonia The Plant List, search for Mahonia, not updated since 2013
  11. Web site: Berberis L. . 16 October 2023.

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