Rubus humilifolius
C. A. Mey.
gbif· cc-by-sa
GBIF
Summary
A low perennial herb reaching 0.3 meters tall with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Adapts to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils, including very acid conditions, across mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun with strong preference for moist to wet soil.
Description
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 10-30 cm tall. It has creeping rhizomes. The stems are erect and softly hairy. The leaves are simple with 3-5 lobes. They have irregular double teeth along the edge. The flowers are at the ends of branches and there can be 1 to 3 flowers in a group. The petals are white. The fruit is aggregate and red when ripe. They are 1 cm across.
Edible Uses
The fruit has an acid taste and can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in coniferous forests in north China.
Where It Grows
Asia, China, Europe, Korea, Mongolia, Russia,
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 should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. 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.
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 China plants flower June to July and fruit in August.
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.
Red Baneberry
Actaea rubra
Walter Siegmund (talk)
Rubus humilifolius
Rubus humilifolius
GBIF
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Rubus humilifolius: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
References (3)
- Beitr. Pfl.-K. Russ. Reiches 5:57. 1848 (Fl. Wiatka)
- 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/
