Life History/Reproduction
Mahonia aquifolium is the result of
cross-fertilization and hybridization of M. repens (which is
morphologically similar to M. aquifolium) and M. pinnata. The
Oregon Grape has always been found in the Pacific Northwest, but
was introduced into Europe 1822 and has become a very successful
invasive species. Like many plants, the Oregon Grape produces
blue berries that are consumed by mainly birds which are
distributed to neighboring areas.
Although the main way of
reproduction is through the production of seeds, the Oregon
Grape is also known to reproduce by root sprouts and stem
layers. Self pollination is another mode of reproduction for
M. aquifolium, and for many other plants as well. All
plants though exhibit Alternation of Generations, and the Oregon
Grape happens to be a dominate sporophyte since it is a plant
that produces fruit.
