Ribes griffithii

Hook. f. & Thomson

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 5 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

A deciduous shrub growing to 2.5 m with hermaphrodite flowers blooming May to June and seeds ripening August to September. Tolerates light, medium, or heavy well-drained soils across mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist soil. Insect-pollinated and self-fertile.

Description

An erect shrub. The leaves have stalks. They have 3-5 lobes. They are 3-7.5 cm long and with teeth. They are heart shaped and the tip is pointed. The leaves are hairy along the veins underneath. The flowers are in loose hanging clusters. These are 8-15 cm long. There are narrow bracts that are longer than the flower stalks. The flowers are yellowish-green to red. They are 5-7 mm wide. The fruit are red berries.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten raw or cooked but has a somewhat austere taste. The red berries grow up to 12mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the Himalayas. It grows between 3,300-4,300 m altitude. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Northeastern India, Tibet,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. 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. 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.

Also Known As

Khali

References (6)

Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 8
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 563
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 2:88. 1858
Negi, P. S. & Subramani, S. P., 2015, Wild Edible Plant Genetic Resources for Sustainable Food Security and Livelihood of Kinnaur District, Himachal Pradesh, India, International Journal of Conservation Science. 6 (4): 657-668
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 6 references