Ribes leptanthum
A. Gray
Trumpet gooseberry
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(c) Sergio Marines, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Sergio Marines, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaRibes leptanthum is a spiny-stemmed, small-leaved species of gooseberry in the genus Ribes commonly called trumpet gooseberry. It is native to Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, where it is usually found in high-altitude canyons.
Description
A deciduous shrub reaching 1 m tall with hermaphroditic flowers appearing in May. Hardy to UK zone 6. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions. Suitable for mildly acidic to mildly alkaline soils. Insect-pollinated.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and is also suitable for making jellies and preserves. Fruits measure approximately 6–8mm in diameter.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten fresh. The fruit are also used to make wine and jelly. They are made into cakes to store for the winter.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
North America, USA,
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. Plants are being used in gooseberry breeding programmes because of their disease resistance. 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 3 months of cold stratification at 0–5°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 for their first winter, then plant out in late spring the following year. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, in July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of 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.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Beckstrom-Sternberg, Stephen M., and James A. Duke. "The Foodplant Database." http://probe.nalusda.gov:8300/cgi-bin/browse/foodplantdb.(ACEDB version 4.0 - data version July 1994) (As Grossularia leptantha)
- Mem. Amer. Acad. Arts ser. 2, 4:53. 1849 (Pl. fendler.)
- Moerman, D. F., 2010, Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. p 478
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
