Berberis wilsoniae Hemsl.

Deciduous shrub to c. 2 m high, glabrous except for slightly hairy young shoots. Mature shoots angular, brown in second year. Spines 3-partite, the main axis 1–1.5 cm long, the lateral spines shorter. Lvs sessile, to 3 × 0.8 cm, often much less, oblanceolate, entire on adult shoots, subcoriaceous, pale glaucescent below, reticulate; margin revolute; base attenuate; apex mucronulate. Infl. sub-racemose or nearly fasciculate, dense, 10–20-flowered. Bracts ovate, much < pedicels. Bracteoles on pedicels similar but smaller. Perianth segments yellow, the largest 3–3.5 mm long; innermost whorl (petals) slightly shorter. Nectaries ± oblong, prominent. Stamens 1.7–2 mm long. Ovules 3. Stigma sessile or nearly so. Berry 5–9 mm diam., globose or subglobose, red, not pruinose.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

Flowering: Dec.–Feb.