Calafate ( Berberis buxofolia ) is an evergreen shrub endemic to Argentine and Chilean Patagonia. Unlike other deciduous plants, the calafate retains its foliage year-round, making it a characteristic element of Patagonian vegetation.
Main features
- Flowers: hermaphroditic (with male and female organs), pollinated by insects; they bloom between October and January.
- Fruit: a fleshy, deep blue berry, harvested in summer.
- Traditional uses: fresh consumption and preparation of jellies, liqueurs, jams and syrups.
- Natural medicine: used in home remedies to lower fever and in tinctures.
Cultural significance
The calafate berry is not only part of the local diet and culture, but it is also a symbol of Patagonia. Its fruit is associated with legends and traditions of the indigenous peoples who consider it a link to the land .
Ecological fact: the calafate is vital for the local fauna, since birds and small mammals feed on its fruits, also contributing to the dispersal of seeds.
Did you know?
According to a Selk'nam and Tehuelche myth, whoever eats a calafate berry will always return to Patagonia . That's why tasting it is almost a ritual for those who visit the region.
Responsible coexistence
- Do not pull up entire branches: only collect the ripe fruit.
- Avoid consuming excessive amounts of the plant in its wild state, as it is food for native fauna.
- It supports the consumption of local products derived from the calafate fruit, strengthening the regional economy.
Quick summary
- Scientific name: Berberis buxofolia
- Distribution: Argentine and Chilean Patagonia
- Fruit: blue berry, edible
- Uses: fresh, jams, liqueurs, syrups, home remedies
- Fun fact: according to tradition, whoever eats it always returns to Patagonia.