BAR'BER'RY (of uncertain origin). Bcr beris. A genus of plants of the natural order Berberidacen (q.v.), consisting of two sub genera that are sometimes ranked as genera. Those with simple leaves form the sub-genus Berberis, and those with pinnate leaves, the sub-genus Mahonia or ash-leaved barberry. The species are low, ornamental shrubs, and native to the temperate regions of both hemispheres. The flowers are and have sensitive stamens. The leaves are various shades of green, and are sometimes variegated. A yellow fungus, ..lEcidimn berberidis, is very general upon the under side of the leaves. This is the `,reidinin state' of the common grain-rust (Puccin-ia graneinis, and hence in wheat-growing districts the planting of barberry is not advised. The fruit is a red, dark blue, or black berry with two or three seeds. It is generally too acid to be eaten, but is sometimes used to make jelly and preserves. Free malic acid is extensively prepared from the fruit in France. The fruit of the sweet bar
berry (Berberis dulcis), a native of Chile, re sembles in size and color that of the black cur rant. Berberis aristata and Berberis asiatica also produce wholesome and pleasant fruits, which are dried like raisins. The yellow root of the barberry, especially the inner bark. is used for dyeing, as is also that of the stem and branches. Berheris glauca, Berberis ilicipolia, Berberis tomentosa, and Berheris lutes are made use of in this way in Chile and Peru; Berberis tinctoria and Berberis aristata in India. The bark has also been used for tanning. I3erberis lycium, a native of Northern India, is particular ly astringent. and an extract prepared from it is used in ophthalmia. Berberis vulgaris is the most common species used for ornament, hut new species and varieties are frequently introduced, and form important additions to our ornamental shrubbery. For illustration see Plate BALSAM, ETC.