Mahonian.
/məˈhəʊnɪə/, U.S. /məˈhoʊniə/ A genus of the family Berberidaceae which consists of Asian and North American evergreen shrubs differing from Berberis chiefly in their pinnate spinous-toothed leaves, and including some frequently cultivated species and hybrids; (also mahonia) a shrub of this genus, esp. the Oregon grape, Mahonia aquifolium.
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the world > plants > particular plants > plants and herbs > according to family > Berberidaceae (lion's leaf) > [noun]
lion's leaf1597
lion's turnip1597
Podophyllum1754
Mahonia1818
1818 T. Nuttall Genera N. Amer. Plants I. 211 Mahonia... In memory of the late Mr. Bernard McMahon, whose ardent attachment to Botany, and successful introduction of useful and ornamental horticulture into the United States, lays claim to public esteem.
1836 J. C. Loudon Encycl. Plants (rev. ed.) 1055 The Berberises..especially the species with pinnated leaves, which are sometimes called Mahonias.
1883 Harper's Mag. Apr. 731/1 Mahonias from Japan.
1948 Holland's Mag. Mar. 46/3 The brilliantly coloured fruits of the..mahonias, cotoneasters, and hollies reward the efforts of the considerate gardener.
1960 F. C. Stern Chalk Garden xv. 159 The winter sweets and mahonias are also in bud.
1987 Sunday Express Mag. 18 Jan. 47/1 The blossoms of Mahonia..brighten the dull winter months.
1993 Flora N. Amer. I. vi. 153/1 Species of Atriplex, Kochia, Mahonia,..and Suaeda have strong links with the arid areas of central Asia.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2000; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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