Ribes fragrans

Pall.

Fragrant-flowered gooseberry

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 57 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A deciduous shrub growing to 0.6 m, hardy to UK zone 3. Hermaphrodite species with both male and female organs, insect-pollinated and self-fertile. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Adapts to mildly acid to basic pH and grows in semi-shade or full sun, preferring moist soil.

Description

A small shrub. It grows 70 cm high. The leaves are kidney shaped and 6 cm across. They have 3 lobes. They are softly hairy underneath. The flowers are in loose upright clusters 7 cm long. The fruit are brown or red and 8 mm across.

Edible Uses

The fruit of this gooseberry is eaten raw or cooked and has a sweet, pleasant flavour. The berries are about 8mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a cold temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Asia, Manchuria, Mongolia, Siberia,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Hardy to about -20°c. The whole plant is aromatic with a smell reminiscent of balm. This species is closely related to R. hudsonianum. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 4–5 months of cold stratification at between 0 and 9°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame through their first winter, and plant out in late spring the following year. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, in July or August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, can be taken November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 150 Ribes species.

References (3)

Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 562
Nova Acta Acad. Sci. Imp. Petrop. Hist. Acad. 10:277, t. 9. 1797
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/