Rubus ichangensis

Hemsley & Kuntze

Yi chang xuan gou zi, Yichang raspberry

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 27 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous shrub with compact upright growth to 0.3 meters tall and spreading to 3 meters. Flowers appear in July with seeds ripening August to September on hermaphroditic plants pollinated by insects. Hardy to UK zone 7, it tolerates light sandy to heavy clay soils, preferring well-drained conditions in mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH, and grows in semi-shade or full sun with preference for moist soil.

Description

A climbing shrub. It can be 3 m tall. The branches have a few curved prickles. The leaves are simple and broadly sword shaped. They are 8-15 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. The base is deeply heart shaped. The flowers are white and 6-8 mm across They are in groups at the ends of the branches. The fruit is red and 5-7 mm across. They are sweet and edible.

Edible Uses

The small red fruit, 6–8mm in diameter, is sweet and well flavoured, and can be eaten raw or cooked.

Medicinal Uses

The root is used medicinally. It is a good source of tannins and is likely employed as an astringent, though no further specific information is recorded.

Distribution

It grows in temperate and subtropical zones in China. It grows between 800-2,500 m altitude in forest valleys. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China*,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Plants are not very happy in windy situations, especially if the winds are maritime. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. 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. Tannin is extracted from the roots and stems.

Production

In China plants flower in July to August and fruit September to October.

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

Yi chang xuan gou zi

Rubus ichangensis

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

Yi chang xuan gou zi: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.

Synonyms

Rubus eugenius FockeRubus ichangensis var. latifolius CardotRubus papyrus H. Leveille

References (6)

F. B. Forbes & W. B. Hemsley, J. Linn. Soc., Bot. 23:231. 1887
Flora of China. 9:195-285, 2003 No 150
Hu, Shiu-ying, 2005, Food Plants of China. The Chinese University Press. p 457
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Show all 6 references