Ribes luridum

Hook. f. & Thomson

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 7 iNaturalist observations

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Juan Carlos Fonseca Mata (via Wikimedia Commons)

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

A deciduous shrub growing to 1 m with hermaphroditic flowers blooming in June and seeds maturing August to September. Hardy to UK zone 5. Can grow in semi-shade or full sun. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage and mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Prefers moist soil. Insect-pollinated.

Description

A shrub. It grows 1-3 m tall. It does not have thorns. The leaves are oval and 2-5 cm across. The fruit are black and flattened. They are 5-7 mm across.

Edible Uses

The black fruit, approximately 6mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sour flavour.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In China it grows along riverbanks and in forests between 2,800-4,100 m above sea level. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

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

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. This species is closely related to R. glaciale. 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.

References (3)

Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 8
J. Proc. Linn. Soc., Bot. 2:87. 1857
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/