Rubus adenophorus
Rolfe
Xian mao mei
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Bernie (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Summary
Source: WikipediaRubus adenophorus is a species of deciduous shrub in the genus Rubus in the family Rosaceae native to China, where it was discovered in 1907. It is distinctive for its black-headed glands mixed with bristles on the stems.
Description
A shrub. It grows 0.5-2 m tall. The young branches are brownish red. It has prickles which are broad at the base. The leaves often have 3 divisions. The leaf stalk is 5-8 cm long. The flowers are at or near the end of stalks. The fruit is 8-10 mm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit, about 12mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate plant. It grows at low and medium elevations in mountain regions in southern China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China,
Cultivation
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. This species is a raspberry with biennial stems. New shoots are produced from the roots each year, these flower and fruit in their second year and then die. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs one month stratification at about 3°c and should be sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame, then plant out into permanent positions in late spring of the following year. Division can be done in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.
Other Uses
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Notes
There are about 700 Rubus species.
Dangerous Lookalikes
This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.
Red Baneberry
Actaea rubra
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Xian mao mei
Rubus adenophorus
Bernie (via Wikimedia Commons)
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Xian mao mei: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
Synonyms
References (4)
- Bull. Misc. Inform. Kew 1910:382. 1910
- Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
- Lu Lingdi, Boufford, D.E., Rubus. Flora of China.
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
