Ribes meyeri

Maxim.

Meyer's currant

Grossulariaceae Edible: Fruit 50 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Deciduous shrub growing to 1.5 m tall. Hardy to UK zone 7. Hermaphrodite flowers bloom May to June with seeds ripening July to August. Insect-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils preferring well-drained conditions and mildly acid to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist soil.

Description

A shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. It does not have thorns. The leaves are almost round and can have 3 lobes. They are 3-7 cm across. The fruit is purplish black and 7-8 mm across.

Edible Uses

The purplish-black fruit, around 8mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked and has a pleasant taste.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In western China it grows in forests and near rivers between 1,200-3,900 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Russia, Tajikistan,

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. petraeum. 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 through their first winter, then plant out in late spring the following year. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, taken 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, taken November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.

Other Uses

None known

Notes

There are about 150 Ribes species.

References (4)

Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 19:260. 1874 (Diagn. pl. nov. jap.)
Dzhangaliev, A. D., et al, 2003, The Wild Fruit and Nut Plants of Kazakhstan, Horticultural Reviews, Vol. 29. pp 305-371
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 8
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/