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Glite Dictionary
Berberis thunbergii

Berberis thunbergii

9.9
A small bush from eastern Asia with sharp thorns and red berries, often used for hedges
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Berberis thunbergii
  • You can identify Berberis thunbergii by its sharp thorns and bright red berries.

Examples

  • The hedge was made of Berberis thunbergii to provide year-round color and privacy.

  • Gardeners appreciate Berberis thunbergii for its vibrant fall foliage and hardiness.

  • The Berberis thunbergii shrub adds color to the garden.

  • Many landscapers choose Berberis thunbergii for its dense growth.

  • Gardeners appreciate Berberis thunbergii for its vibrant fall foliage and hardiness.

  • The hedge was made of Berberis thunbergii to provide year-round color and privacy.

  • You can identify Berberis thunbergii by its sharp thorns and bright red berries.

Synonyms

Japanese barberry
vsBerberis thunbergii
7.7

A small bush that loses its leaves and has bright red berries used for hedges

is the scientific Latin name used in formal or botanical contexts

Surface Forms

Berberis thunbergii singular
Berberis thunbergii plural

Morphology

Berberis + thunbergii

This is a taxonomic binomial: 'Berberis' names the genus (a type of barberry) and 'thunbergii' is a Latin species epithet (derived from a proper name). A B1 learner who knows both parts would understand this refers to a specific kind of Berberis shrub, but the species epithet does not convey the descriptive details (compact habit, native range, red berries), so the full meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Berberis thunbergii is a two-part Latin name: Berberis is the old word for 'barberry' and thunbergii honors the Swedish plant collector Carl Thunberg who brought the shrub to European gardens. So the name helps you remember it is a barberry shrub connected to Thunberg and often used in gardens.