Algerita

algerita
agarito

More info for the term: cover

Algerita provides valuable cover for many wildlife species [43]. Clumps
or thickets serve as important hiding cover for white-tailed deer on the
rolling Texas plains [20]. Algerita forms good hiding, nesting, and
resting cover for a variety of small birds and mammals [35]. In parts
of Texas, wild turkeys occasionally nest beneath algerita [17].

More info for the terms: fruit, perfect, shrub

Algerita is a dense, thicket-forming evergreen shrub which grows 3 to 10
feet (1-3 m) in height [1,46,51,52]. Twigs are smooth and reddish-green
when young but turn gray to reddish-brown with age [52]. Bark is gray
to reddish-brown and often exfoliating [28,52].

The alternate, trifoliolate leaves are stiff, spiny, and hollylike
[1,35,52]. Leaflets are thick and coriaceous, lanceolate-oblong to
elliptic, and have coarsely serrate or spinose margins [1,28,52].
Leaflets are pale green to glaucous [28].

Yellowish, perfect flowers are borne in few-flowered racemes at the
upper axils or terminally on short shoots [28,52]. Fruit is a
subglobose to globose berry, 0.3 to 0.5 inch (8-12 mm) in diameter
[1,28]. Berries are lustrous, and red or black to pruinose blue
[1,28,35]. The pulpy fruit is acidic and aromatic [52]. Fruit is borne
on short pedicels which are tightly appressed to the stem axis [24].
Each fruit contains one to several seeds [52].

Algerita grows throughout most of Texas except for the eastern and
southeastern portions of the state. It extends westward into New Mexico
and Arizona and southward into Mexico [52]. The variety trifoliolata
grows only in Texas, south of Austin to Corpus Christi. The variety
glauca occurs from west Texas through New Mexico into Arizona and Mexico
[1].

More info for the terms: climax, competition, fire regime, fire suppression, root crown, seed

Relatively frequent fires in western Texas rangeland tend to favor
climax grass species [10]. Fire suppression and vegetative changes
brought about by overgrazing have contributed to the invasion of woody
species such as algerita [12]. Fine fuels have been reduced by both
grazing and fire suppression and competition from grasses has decreased.

Algerita generally sprouts from the roots or root crown after a single
fire [11,19]. Growth in large mottes affords some protection from fire.
Although the outer portion is commonly destroyed, centers of large
mottes are often undamaged. Seed from adjacent unburned areas may be
dispersed onto burned sites by birds and mammals. Some postfire
seedling establishment is possible.

FIRE REGIMES :
Find fire regime information for the plant communities in which this
species may occur by entering the species name in the FEIS home page under
"Find FIRE REGIMES".

More info for the terms: climax, cover, density, forb, forbs, fuel, herbaceous, reburn

Prescribed fire: On west Texas rangeland, fires tend to favor climax
grass species and, when used in combination with other methods, can help
to reduce the cover of woody colonizers such as mesquite and algerita
[10].

Fire is most effective in reducing algerita when large mottes are first
mechanically treated [11]. In southern Texas grasslands, density of
algerita was reduced by 28 percent on plots which had been roller
chopped, shredded and burned, or roller-chopped, treated with
herbicides, shredded, and burned. Density was unchanged on plots which
had been roller-chopped and shredded but not burned [22,23]. Without
pretreatment, burns are often patchy and uneven and leave many large
mottes intact [12]. Best results can often be obtained by waiting up to
3 years after the brush is chopped or shredded and allowing grass and
forbs to grow vigorously among the drying woody fuels. The herbaceous
growth and chopped portions of old brush tops can provide fuel for a
relatively hot fire [11,12], which is presumably more effective in
reducing algerita. The following canopy cover of algerita was reported 1
year after a fall burn in south Texas chaparral [11]:

unburned burned

control 5.6 1.1
shredded 1.2 .9
chopped .7 .7
scalped .3 .4

Evidence suggests that both fall and winter burns can reduce algerita.
However, winter burns tend to favor forbs, whereas fall burns often
decrease forb production and increase grass production[12]. In experiments
in south Texas chaparral, a fall fire with a winter reburn was more
effective in reducing algerita than either a single fall or winter fire
[12]. Response by season of burn was as follows on the Welder Wildlife
Refuge of Texas [12]:

control fall winter fall and winter
(percent composition)

4.1 2.8 1.6 2.2

Wildlife: Algerita is often replaced by more desirable browse species
such as honeysuckle (Lonicera spp.) and hackberry (Celtis spp.) after
fire in Texas shinoak rangeland [44].

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More info for the term: phanerophyte

Phanerophyte

Algerita grows in a variety of habitats including flat pastureland, lower
alluvial flats, in ephemeral drainage channels, on mesa sides, and on
dry, stony hills [3,18,35,40,52]. Algerita grows well on sunny sites
[51]. It is often well represented in riparian areas and in bottomland
communities of the rolling Texas plains [18,20].

Soils: Algerita grows on a variety of soil textures including loam,
clay, shallow clay-loam, and gravelly soil [19,22,39,51]. Soils are
commonly dry and well drained [51]. Algerita often occurs on soils
derived from limestone parent material [15,50].

Climate: Algerita grows in semiarid climates with average annual
precipitation estimated at 22 to 30 inches (55-76 cm) [19,22]. Winters
are typically short and mild, with as many as 283 frost-free days per
year [9].

Elevation: Algerita grows at approximately 3,000 feet (914 m) in Arizona
[32].

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This species is known to occur in association with the following cover types (as classified by the Society of American Foresters):

66 Ashe juniper - redberry (Pinchot) juniper
67 Mohrs ("shin") oak
68 Mesquite
239 Pinyon - juniper
242 Mesquite

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This species is known to occur in the following ecosystem types (as named by the U.S. Forest Service in their Forest and Range Ecosystem [FRES] Type classification):

More info for the term: shrub

FRES15 Oak - hickory
FRES30 Desert shrub
FRES31 Shinnery
FRES32 Texas savanna
FRES33 Southwestern shrubsteppe
FRES34 Chaparral - mountain shrub
FRES35 Pinyon - juniper
FRES38 Plains grasslands
FRES39 Prairie
FRES40 Desert grasslands

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This species is known to occur in association with the following plant community types (as classified by Küchler 1964):

More info for the term: shrub

K031 Oak - juniper woodlands
K041 Creosotebush
K044 Creosotebush - tarbush
K045 Ceniza shrub
K054 Grama - tobosa prairie
K059 Trans-Pecos shrub savanna
K060 Mesquite savanna
K071 Shinnery
K084 Cross Timbers
K085 Mesquite - buffalograss
K086 Juniper - oak savanna
K087 Mesquite - oak savanna

More info for the term: prescribed burn

Algerita is described as "very resistant to fire" [49]. It is readily
top-killed by fire [5,49], but underground regenerative structures such
as roots often survive [49]. In south Texas chaparral, mortality is
typically greatest on the windward side of large mottes, and least on
the leeward side. Centers of large mottes are often undamaged [11].

Few plants were root-killed by a prescribed burn conducted in Tom Green
County, Texas [49]. However, 33 percent of individual algerita plants
were killed after a fall burn in south Texas chaparral [11]. Burned
plants generally exhibit damage such as split stems and shredding bark
[11].

Browse: Algerita reportedly has no forage value for cattle, horses, or
domestic sheep, and has little value for domestic goats [29]. Less than
1 percent of the tender new sprouts were browsed by Spanish goats
following fire on the Edwards Plateau of Texas [49]. Algerita is browsed
by deer in some areas [35] but is generally considered an "undesirable
deer food" [5]. In some locations, twigs, bark, and leaves of
grape-hollies (Berberis spp.) are eaten by the ringtail, and various
species of hares and rabbits [37].

Fruit: Algerita berries are readily eaten by many species of small birds
[52] and mammals.

More info for the terms: codominant, grassland, natural, shrub

Algerita grows as a dominant or codominant in a number of desert shrub
and grassland communities. It is on lands that have changed from mixed
prairie to open scrub oak-juniper (Quercus-Juniperus spp.) woodlands
[42] and where honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)) is expanding its
range in Texas savannas [2]. It is also a component of south Texas and
Arizona chaparral, semiarid Texas grasslands, and pinyon (Pinus
spp.)-juniper woodlands [9,29,39]. Common codominants include
creosotebush (Larrea tridentata), tarbush (Flourensia cernua),
lecheguilla (Agave lechuguilla), juniper, sotol (Dasylirion spp.), yucca
(Yucca spp.), and black grama (Bouteloua eriopoda).

Algerita has been listed as a dominant in the following community
type classification:

Natural terrestrial communites of Brewster County, Texas [21]

Plant associates: Common associates of algerita in bottomland
communities include little walnut (Juglans microcarpa), netleaf
hackberry (Celtis reticulata), oneseed juniper (J. monosperma),
littleleaf sumac (Rhus microphylla), and lotebush condalia (Condalia
obovata) [20]. Pungent oak (Quercus pungens), live oak (Q. virginiana),
mesquite, sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), Texas persimmon (Diospyros
texana), spiny hackberry (Celtis pallida), curly mesquite (Hilaria
belangeri), Texas needlegrass (Stipa leucotricha), grama (Bouteloua
spp.), and lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia) occur with algerita in scrub
oak-juniper woodlands and Texas savannas [2,6,42]. Ashe juniper (J.
ashei) and redberry juniper are common overstory dominants [39,42]. In
chaparral communities, honey mesquite, curly mesquite, acacia (Acacia
spp.), threeawn (Aristida spp.) and buffalograss (Buchloe dactyloides)
are common associates [8].

More info for the term: shrub

Shrub

More info for the terms: density, fire management, fire suppression, frequency, shrub, shrubs

Brushfield expansion: During the past century, shrubs such as mesquite
(Prosopis spp.) and algerita have been increasing on Texas rangelands
[2,3,10,39]. An estimated 736,744 acres (1.82 million ha) of Texas
rangeland is now "infested" with algerita. The situation is particularly
pronounced on the Edwards Plateau where algerita density can reach up to
121 plants per acre (300/ha) [19]. Possible causes of this shrub
expansion include fire suppression, overgrazing, and/or climatic change
[2,10].

Grazing: In semiarid grasslands of Texas, heavy grazing apparently
favors the spread of redberry juniper (Juniperus pinchotii) which in
turn facilitates the establishment of algerita. Frequency of algerita is
typically highest on grazed sites occupied by redberry juniper, as
illustrated below [39]:

high plains rolling plains
grazed sites ungrazed sites redberry redberry
present absent present absent j. present j. absent
(percent frequency)

29 0 63 20 25 0

Mechanical removal: Ranchers commonly view algerita as a nuisance [24],
and numerous studies have focused on various means of mechanical removal
[19,22,23]. Soil penetration to a depth of 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm) is
generally necessary to sever the taproot from the crown and to uproot
all lateral roots capable of resprouting. Resprouting often occurs
where blade penetration is insufficient. Small plants with shallow
roots are most readily killed by mechanical means [19].

On the Edwards Plateau of Texas, various types of mechanical grubbing
have produced erratic mortality [19]. Grubbing, using a modified blade
with fins on top, killed up to 93 percent of the plants where
pretreatment densities had ranged from 17 to 79 plants per acre
(42-195/ha). Consequently, this method of control was judged both
effective and economical [19]. On rocky outcrops with shallow soil, the
blade was prevented from eliminating all of the lateral roots. An
estimated 88 percent of algerita was killed on these sites. Root plowing
is also effective, although often prohibitively expensive.
Posttreatment burning, when used in combination with mechanical removal,
can also aid in reducing algerita density [see Fire Management
Considerations].

Chemical control: Algerita is resistant to many herbicides including
2,4,5-T and picloram [14,19,22]. Although canopies were reduced by 24
to 30 percent 13 months after large amounts of picloram were applied to
the soil, plants recovered within 24 months [33]. No plants were
actually killed by the herbicide. Details on response to various rates
of herbicide application are available [14,29,22].

Damage/disease: Algerita is susceptible to black stem rust [52].
However, roots contain large amounts of the alkaloid berberine, a
substance known to inhibit some root fungi. Roots may, therefore, be
relatively resistant to a number of pathogens [24].

Biomass: Models have been developed for predicting biomass estimates of
algerita. Current growth is primarily leaves and includes little twig
elongation. Studies indicate that new growth on young plants is greater
per unit volume than is growth on older plants [16].

Nutrient value of algerita varies by plant part [30] and phenological
development. The chemical composition of mature foliage has
been documented as follows [26]:

percent
protein ether crude N-free H20 ash potash lime magnesia phosphoric
extract fiber extract acid

10.32 2.38 30.59 46.61 6.13 2.97 0.91 0.88 0.24 0.34

Nutrient content by plant part and date is listed below [30]:

plant part date water (%) ash (%) P (%) protein (%)

shoots 3/27 69 4 0.27 16
shoots 4/13 48 3 0.25 13
shoots 10/25 71 4 0.27 16
leaves+stems 3/28 71 4 0.29 15

AZ NM TX MEXICO

More info for the term: fruit

Roots of algerita contain berberine and other alkaloids and were
traditionally used to make preparations for treating toothaches and
stomach ailments [40,52]. However, these alkaloids are poisonous in
high concentrations [40]. Yellow dyes were made from the roots and wood
[52].

Fruit of algerita is edible [51] and can be used to make wine and jelly
[52]. However, Durand [24] cautions that when collecting the fruit of
Texas mahonias, "it is always a good precaution to poke around the bush
with a stick before threshing to make sure there are no rattlesnakes."
Seeds of algerita can be roasted and used as a coffee substitute [52].
Flowers provide nectar for honeybees, and consequently algerita is
considered to be a good honey plant [51,52].

The attractive leaves and flowers make algerita well-suited for use as an
ornamental [45]. It can be planted as a hedge or used singly [24,45].
When mixed with Amur privit, it forms an excellent and attractive
combination hedge [24]. The variety glauca has been cultivated in
England [1]. Algerita is relatively intolerant of cold temperatures and
in North America is not hardy north of zone 6 [46].

Leaves of algerita are spiny and unpalatable [29] and toughen with age
[53]. Mature leaves may remain palatable to some insects, such as
foraging ants, but often become too tough for the ants to cut [53].
Increasing toughness may deter large herbivores as well.

Berries are highly palatable to many species of small birds and mammals.

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More info for the terms: association, vines

Fruit ripens from April through July [51,52], but reportedly reaches
peak ripeness on approximately May 1 [24]. Generalized flowering and
fruiting dates by geographic location are as follows:

Location Flowering Fruiting Authority

Southwest ---- July Vines 1960

Great Plains March-April June Great Plains Flora
Association 1986

More info for the terms: cover, root crown, seed

Algerita commonly sprouts from the roots or root crown after aboveground
vegetation is consumed by fire [5,11,19]. Lateral sprouting is most
common where the motte growth pattern existed prior to fire. Centers of
large mottes often survive and subsequently increase in size in the
postfire community [11]. Individual plants and small mottes are
generally less likely to sprout.

Fire can cause reductions in canopy cover and relative abundance of
algerita [10,12]. A single burn reduced cover by as much as 58 percent
in south Texas chaparral [10]. Following fire, many of the sprouts were
of poor vigor and some plants produced only a single sprout.
Approximately 40 percent of the plants that eventually died produced new
sprouts during the first spring [11]. However, many sprouts died during
the summer. Some postfire establishment from seed may occur as birds
and mammals disperse seed from adjacent unburned sites.

More info for the terms: geophyte, root crown, shrub

Tall shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
Small shrub, adventitious-bud root crown
Geophyte, growing points deep in soil

More info for the terms: fruit, natural, root crown, seed

Algerita reproduces through seed and sprouts vigorously following most
types of disturbance.

Seed: Algerita produces an abundance of seed nearly every year [43]. In
related species of mahonia, annual fruit production is sometimes reduced
by poor pollination and adverse weather conditions. The specific
genetic composition of individual plants can also influence fruit
production [24]. Seed of algerita is dispersed during the summer by a
variety of birds and mammals. Under natural conditions, seed germinates
the following spring [43].

Vegetative regeneration: Algerita typically sprouts vigorously from the
roots or root crown after aboveground vegetation is removed or damaged
[11,19]. Box and others [11] reported that algerita sprouts from or near
ground level after fire. After mechanical removal, Cross and Wiedemann
[19] observed sprouting from lateral roots and from crown tissue
attached to the taproot. The majority of regrowth (56 percent) was
attributed to lateral root sprouting, whereas 13 percent was derived
from crown tissue. No sprouts were observed on the taproot itself.

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This species can be found in the following regions of the western United States (according to the Bureau of Land Management classification of Physiographic Regions of the western United States):

7 Lower Basin and Range
13 Rocky Mountain Piedmont
14 Great Plains

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More info for the terms: climax, presence, shrub

Grasslands: Algerita is a common woody invader in semiarid grasslands of
Texas [19,22]. On the Edwards Plateau, mixed prairie has given rise to
a scrub oak-juniper disclimax in which algerita occurs as a prominent
woody species [42]. In many semiarid grasslands of Texas, redberry
juniper is a common invader on overgrazed sites. The presence of large
junipers consequently facilitates the establishment and spread of
algerita [39].

Texas savannas: In south Texas savannas which have been gradually
invaded by honey mesquite, species such as Texas pricklypear (Opuntia
lindheimeri) and prickly ash (Zanthoxylum fagara) assume dominance
during years 12 to 26. Sugarberry, Texas persimmon, and lotebush
condalia commonly dominate 29- to 39-year-old stands, while algerita,
desert yaupon (Schaefferia cuneifolia), and lotebush dominate 36- to
45-year-old stands [2]. Algerita may eventually be lost from climax
stands [3].

Desert shrub communities: Algerita invades disturbed desert shrub
communities including those in the Guadalupe Mountains of New Mexico.
It commonly appears in the "last stages of community degradation" [54].
Once vegetation has reached this level of degradation, recovery may be
unlikely.

Berberis trifoliata Moric. [57,58]

The scientific name of algerita is Mahonia trifoliolata (Moric.) Fedde.
(Berberidaceae)[1,24].

More info for the terms: layering, seed

Rehabilitation value of algerita is unknown. However, plants can be
easily propagated from seed [24]. Seed can be planted in the fall, or
stratified and planted in the spring [43]. Algerita can also be
propagated by suckers, cuttings, and layering. Properly treated
cuttings taken in early summer will usually root by fall [24].