hirohahebinoborazu
Berberidaceae (barberry family)
Berberis amurensis
- Physical characteristics:
- This deciduous dwarf shrub grows to approximately 1.5 meters in height. The trunk branches out, with sharp spines on both the trunk and branches. The leaf edges also have spine-like serrations. The flowers droop in clusters, and the fruit ripens red.
- Blooming period:
- June
- Habitat:
- from sea cliffs to the alpine zone
- Other information:
- synonym: ootoritomarazu
- Japanese name origin:
- The name “hirohahebinoborazu,” which literally means “broad-leaved snake-can’t-climb,” originates from the sharp spines, which are outgrowths of leaves, on the stems and branches, along with spine-like serrations on the leaf edges. These features make it seemingly impassable even to snakes.