Rubus grayanus

Maxim.

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 33 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous shrub reaching 2 m in height. Flowers from May to June with seeds ripening July to August. Hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Accommodates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Tolerates mildly acidic to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shaded woodland or full sun. Prefers moist soil.

Description

A shrub. It grows 2 m tall. The branches are brown and slightly angled. It only has a few prickles. The leaves are simple and oval. They are 7-10 cm long by 3-6 cm wide. Flowers occur singly at the ends of branches and are 2 cm across. The petals are red. The fruit is aggregate and yellowish-red. They are oval and 1-1.2 cm across.

Edible Uses

The yellowish-red fruit, 10–12mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in sunny areas on slopes, and in valleys near water. It grows between 300-1,100 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, China, Japan,

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 could succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The stems of this species are virtually free of prickles. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. 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. Cuttings of half-ripe wood can be taken in July/August in a frame. Tip layer in July and plant out in autumn. Divide in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Production

In southern China plants flower in April to May and fruit in June to July.

Notes

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Dangerous Lookalikes

This plant can be confused with the following toxic species. Always verify identification carefully before consuming any wild plant.

DEADLY

Red Baneberry

Actaea rubra

Walter Siegmund (talk)

Safe

Rubus grayanus

Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.

Rubus grayanus: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.

References (3)

Bull. Acad. Imp. Sci. Saint-Petersbourg 17:152. 1872 (Diagn. pl. nov. jap.)
Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 9
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/