Mahonia: types, properties and uses

Among the cultures widely used by Russian gardeners, mahonia is invariably present.But not all people are well aware of its features and specific features. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out what this attractive plant is and how to handle it.

Padonia-holly Mahonia is a shrub that preserves foliage all year round. With this plant you can:

• form hedges;
• decorate the garden area as a whole;
• arrange the perimeter of the walkways (sidewalks) and individual buildings.

Mahonia does not rise above 1 m and does not overshadow other ornamental plants. In spring, it produces graceful flowers, the ovaries of which then form edible fruits. Therefore, even in a limited space, Mahonia allows you to fully utilize the land. Initially, like many useful cultures, mahonia grew only in the New World. In European countries, it began to grow only in the XIX century.

The hollow leaf variety is best suited for Russian conditions. She is:

• steadily experiencing a dry period;
• resistant to fairly cold weather;
• tolerates strong shading;
• can grow on any kind of land.

When autumn comes, the shrub turns reddish. In the spring, with the onset of heat, the green color returns. In September, the mahonia is covered with small blue-violet berries. Fruits are covered with a small wax coating. Yellow Magonia flowers gather in panicles.

The edges of the leaves are covered with small needles. The plant can bloom twice a year: first in May and in June, and in warm weather also in October. But a hollow plant forms flowers only in the presence of another bush. The fact is that this is a cross-pollinated plant. Having completed familiarization with the main features of Magonia, you need to figure out how to grow it.

Magonia develops well even with polluted air. For this reason, in a number of cities it is planted along motorways. Excellent aesthetic results of this culture gives close to houses and outbuildings. Magonia is best combined with brick walls. You can put it near the sidewalks and paths, where the external beauty is complemented by an attractive smell.

As already mentioned, mahonia can settle down on any territory, except for zones that have undergone environmental disaster. This is a forest plant, and the optimal conditions for it must be selected accordingly. In case of emergency, you can plant Magonia even in shaded places. But it is much better if it grows in moderate light. Both deep shadow and bright sun can slow growth.

Due to the highly developed root system, the culture well compensates for the lack of water, even in dry places. To maximize this advantage, the roots of seedlings are buried by 0.5 m. The root collar must remain at the surface level. Planted bushes immediately watered.

If you can not find a suitable site, you must use protective structures (screens). Stagnation of water in the ground, especially the waterlogging of the site, is unacceptable. When it rains heavily, there is no need for additional hydration of the magonia. And even if there was a strong, prolonged drought, watering should be done a maximum of 1 time in 14 days. Only under completely exceptional conditions, when the drought becomes a disaster, can watering be intensified.

Magonia thickets are created very simply. To do this, the landing of the bushes at a distance of 1 m from each other is enough (although it is better to slightly reduce the gap).Important: although it has already been said about a moderate frequency of watering, it must be strictly followed. Magonia is also required to be fertilized. Top dressing should be done in May, shortly before flowering.

To compensate for the lack of nutrients using mineral compounds. When a snowy winter is predicted, it makes sense to cover the magonia with bags. Yes, this bush is considered to be frost-resistant, but still it is worth taking care of it. The most important such protection in the first 5 or 6 years of life. Important: sackcloth is easily replaced with spruce branches.

The earth around Magonia is necessarily loosened and mulched. The choice of summer mulch remains at the discretion of the gardener. Before the onset of cold weather, the combination of fallen leaves and sawdust would be an ideal option. Like any shrubs, Magonia should be cut. It helps to improve the appearance of the plant.

The best time to prune is when flowering ends. You can do this in late autumn. However, over-active cutting is not recommended. If you remove more than 50% of the branch, it will not be able to bloom next season. In any case, it is necessary to get rid of all the shoots that are devoid of flower buds.

The only cases where the branches can be cut off completely are the loss of their external attractiveness by the shrubs and the excessive old age of the magonia. Gradually, the plant will restore the crown, which will look amazing. But before taking care of the beauty you need to think about planting magonia. For this purpose, apply:

• cuttings;
• seeds;
• root cuttings.

If seeds are used, they must be germinated in advance. Planting seeds produced only in the spring. Cuttings are carefully selected: it is desirable to use the young shoots or stems covered with leaves. In order for the cuttings to take root better, the lower sections are treated with root development stimulants. Selecting and applying these stimulants is required as carefully as possible.

Sowing cuttings of Magonium, lower buds are placed strictly at ground level. The soil is slightly compacted, and then watered with a fungicide. Use it only as instructed by the instructions. Usually planting is covered with a transparent plastic bottle and watered regularly. Consider the use of root otvodok only in the last place - this is the most exotic approach.

To work you need a young escape, which bends down to the ground as low as possible. Then pour the earth on top, not forgetting that the top should be above the surface. The part which is going outside is fixed, using a thin wire. Further, the mound is watered a little. In the fall, the shoot must give roots - then gardeners can cut and transplant it, although this is not necessary.

As it is already clear, it is easy to grow Magonia. But it is equally important to know the healing properties of the berries, to realize how the fruits help and how to take Magonia when treating various diseases. Immediately it is necessary to warn that this plant is not used in official medicine. Therefore, it is necessary to treat it with caution, not to use it without consulting with doctors. The low energy value of fruits allows them to be eaten even on a diet.

Useful ingredients are present both in the pulp and in the skins of the berries. The energy value of 0.1 kg of the product is 30 kcal. This portion contains 8 g of carbohydrates. But proteins and fats are completely absent. Magonia peel contains a significant amount:

• zinc;
• copper;
• sodium;
• manganese.

Copper ensures the normal functioning of muscles and bones. The use of copper for brain tissue and blood, for the kidneys and liver is noted. The presence of zinc ensures the preservation of the integrity of the skin. This element is important for combating dermatological diseases of various origins. And manganese is useful due to the effective restoration of damaged organs and tissues, promoting the absorption of iron and certain vitamins.

In addition to trace elements, Mahonia is rich in vitamin E, ascorbic acid. The latter not only enhances the immune response, but also:

• regulates redox processes;
• optimizes collagen production;
• helps the body produce hormones;
• increases the absorption of iron, folic acid.

Famous vitamin E is the most valuable antioxidant. He fights against harmful substances, with exposure to radiation. But also this vitamin promotes blood saturation with oxygen. If there is not enough vitamin E, capillary formation is disturbed. Berberine improves digestion, increases appetite, reduces pathological nausea, and suppresses a number of pathological microbes.

There is also an important substance in berries, magonia and berbamine. It provides bone marrow protection. Also, thanks to the berbamine, you can quickly recover from overwork, after taking potent drugs or radiation therapy. A high concentration of tannins increases the density of the leaves, gives them an astringent taste. Tannins prevent the development of viral and microbial infections, blocking minor bleeding.

The benefits of these components are also expressed in the tonic effect, in increasing the elasticity of the vessels. Under the influence of tannins, the condition of the ear, nose and throat improves, and kidney stones are destroyed. High hematopoietic activity facilitates the fight against anemia. Coagulability of blood returns to normal, thereby reducing the likelihood of blood clots and the threat of bleeding during various operations. Additionally marked hardening of the vascular walls.

Magonia is used in the treatment of skin ailments, including such a serious one as psoriasis. It demonstrates an impressive effect in suppressing germs and fungi. With the help of Magonia they fight:

• with peeling of the skin;
• all sorts of rashes;
• abscesses;
• Wen;
• dry skin;
• chiryami

You can not ignore the presence of herbal bitterness. These ingredients improve the production of digestive enzymes and help prevent constipation. It manages to reduce the risk of both benign and malignant neoplasms, other pathologies of the end sections of the gastrointestinal tract. Magonia has great benefits in liver diseases. It reduces the density of bile, promotes the release of small stones and suppresses the release of bile into the stomach (redirecting it to the intestines).

Substances that are part of Magonia, optimize metabolism and accelerate it. They help clean the blood:

• from toxic reagents of various nature;
• cholesterol;
• heavy metal salts;
• fat deposits.

Mawdonia also improves the condition of patients:

• gout;
• dysbacteriosis;
• hepatitis;
• rheumatism;
• cholecystitis;
• eczema

There is no specific danger from Magonia. But we must understand that it should be used very carefully, not exceeding the recommended dosage. Particular care should be exercised to those who are contraindicated substances of plant origin. It is primarily about suffering from food, drug or seasonal allergies. You don’t need to refuse treatment at all - just berries are introduced into the diet starting from the minimum dosage.

Important: allergy sufferers should have an antihistamine drug ready. Even in this case, it is undesirable to be treated where no one can come to the rescue. Ideally, a comprehensive biochemical test should be performed. Only he can first give an exact answer - whether an allergic reaction can develop or not. In addition to allergy sufferers, beware of mindless consumption of magonia should be suffering from peptic ulcer disease.

Mahonia increases the yield of gastric juice. Therefore, it is contraindicated in case of high acidity.But if in this case only individual inconveniences arise, then with erosions of the stomach and esophagus, with gastritis or an ulcer an exacerbation may occur. Regardless of the state of the gastrointestinal tract, one must carefully approach the use of Magonia in baby food. A weak, insufficiently stable digestive system can work very poorly.

Vigilant need to be pregnant and lactating mothers. Yes, stimulation of blood formation and replenishment of vitamins, microelements can be useful. But a decrease in immunity increases the risk of inflammation of the stomach and esophagus. Bizarre biochemical changes occurring in pregnant women make an allergic reaction more likely.

The use of Magonia means that you need to know the details of its culinary use. It is quite possible to make an adjika from this berry. Compared with the classic version - prepared from tomatoes or bell peppers - the taste and aroma are much better. This sauce is used as an additive:

• to sausage;
• other meat products;
• fish of all breeds;
• various side dishes.

For cooking adzhika, except Magonia, use:

• garlic;
• sugar;
• vinegar;
• hops-suneli;
• cinnamon;
• black pepper.

Since the plant is included in the barberry group, pilaf can be prepared with the fruits of Magonia. Exotic berries are used together with prunes and chopped dried apricots. Pilaf preparing according to this recipe cannot be interfered. Products lay out clear layers. Stew the dish to 1 hour.

There is another way to make charlotte with magonia berries. They are spread on top of the cake (use 0.1 kg of fruit per serving). Berries sprinkled with 0.015 kg of sugar. The charlotte oven needs 35 minutes at a temperature of 200 degrees. Serve the dish you need for tea.

Choosing a recipe for jam based on Magonia, it is advisable to avoid those options that involve multi-day cooking. Long heat treatment adversely affects the quality of the berries. It is advisable to grind the crop with sugar in a ratio of 1: 1. You can grind the fruits manually (through a sieve), using a meat grinder or a blender. Cooked jam is stored in a glass jar, rolled nylon cover.

Expiration date - 2 or 3 months. It is possible to make not only jam from juice, but also juice. Knead 0.4 kg of berries, then pour them 1 kg of sugar. Infusing fruit takes 2 to 3 hours. Further:

• add lemon zest;
• pour the juice squeezed out of it;
• separate and thoroughly squeeze the skins;
• pour 1 liter of clean water;
• boil and boil for 5 minutes;
• cool;
• add juice;
• 0.09 - 0.15 kg of honey is put (how much is determined by themselves);
• serve ready-made juice with a sprig of mint.

The advantages of the padubolic (also called oak-like) magonia in the culinary field, in the treatment of various diseases do not mean that other varieties of this plant can be ignored. Creeping mahonia immediately stands out for its blue-green leaves with a matte sheen. The culture got its name because of the mass of root offspring. Evergreen creeping shrub can grow up to 1-1.5 m in length, up to 0.25 m - in width. Black berries of creeping magonia have been harvested since about August 15, and occasionally, with favorable weather, new ovaries appear at the end of September.

The flowers of this plant are colored yellow. The endurance of culture is very great.

Japanese mahonia is grown in gardens of Asian countries, does not grow under natural conditions. The plant is covered with gray bark, the annual buds are covered with a gray bloom. Oblong leaves reach a length of 0.3-0.45 m. The length of pedicels does not exceed 0.01 m.

Loquipotous Mahonia grows in China, it has extremely large inflorescences - up to 0.25 m. The smell of flowers is not too pronounced. Flowering occurs in autumn. The leaves are painted matt green. The height of the shrub does not exceed 0.5 m.

Padbolic mahony, like any other breed, is harvested only after full maturation. Ripeness is estimated by the form (the berry should be oblong), by dark blue or black-purple color. You also need to check whether there is a light down and gray scurf on the surface of the fruit. Usually ripeness comes to the end of August. If weather conditions are less favorable, it will happen from September 1 to 10.

For information on how to choose a place for Magonia and care for it, see the next video.