MAHONIAAQUIFOLIUM (PURSH) NUTT.: VARIETIES GLOBOSA AND TEARS IN THE URBAN DENDROFLORA UNDER CLIMATE CHANGES

Mahonia aquifolium (Pursh) Nutt.(MA), from the Berberidaceae family, is an indigenous species of North America that was introduced to Europe for ornamental purposes.With the expansion of the food industry, it has been classified as a non-traditional crop for industrial use.Chemical analyses of its fruit mesocarp confirmed significant quantities of bioactive compounds, suggesting broader potential applications.This study analyzed the genetic structure and variability of secondary populations, as well as the species' role in providing ecosystem services and contributing to the stability of urban parks, supporting the diversity of shrub-dominated tree flora.An integrative approach, focusing on fruiting patterns and climatic variables, was used.From 30,816 phenological observations, the sustainability of the new varieties was confirmed, with earlier fruit ripening occurring within the appropriate accumulated heat sums under climate change conditions.Biochemical studies confirmed the significant role of both varieties in preserving urban health, revealing substantial levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity.Ethanol proved to be a more effective solvent for extracting phenols, tannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins, with antioxidant properties strongly linked to phenolic compounds.The vitamin C content was higher in the globosa variety, highlighting the importance of genotypic and morphological traits.Both varieties serve as multifunctional fruits for consumption and medicinal use.The presence of anthocyanins makes the berries suitable for extracting natural food colors.Regarding ecosystem services, both MA genotypes, as adaptive taxa, provide shelter, nesting, and resting sites for birds.Their fruits play a vital role in the food chain, particularly in Important Bird Areas.