Family Berberidaceae
Synonyms: Nandinaceae APNI*
Description: Shrubs [or perennial herbs], mostly glabrous, branches often spinose.
Leaves alternate, sometimes basal; simple or variously compound; stipules absent.
Inflorescence racemose, cymose or sometimes flowers solitary. Flowers actinomorphic, bisexual, 3-merous, floral parts hypogynous. Perianth usually of 6 or 7 series of distinct segments, the outer 2 sepaloid, the inner 4 or 5 petaloid with the inner 2 or 3 usually with basal nectaries. Stamens 4–18, commonly 6; anthers dehiscing by valves. Carpels apparently solitary, often interpreted as representing 2 or 3 fused carpels, style ± 3-lobed.
Fruit usually a berry.
Distribution and occurrence: World: 14 genera, c. 700 species, temperate America & Asia. Australia: 2 genera, 6 species (naturalised), N.S.W., ?Qld, Vic., Tas., S.A.
External links:
Angiosperm Phylogeny Website (Family: Berberidaceae, Order: Ranunculales)
Wikipedia A number of species are cultivated as ornamentals, especially in cooler districts.
Text by G.J. Harden, Flora of New South Wales Vol. 1 (1990); revised April 2017, P.G. Kodela
Taxon concept: Australian Plant Census (accessed April 2017)
| | Key to the genera | |
| 1 | Stems with spines and leaves apparently simple or stems without spines and leaves 1-pinnate | Berberis |
| Stems without spines and leaves 2- or 3-pinnate | Nandina |
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