Rubus ikenoensis
H. Lév. & Vaniot
Japanese Rose, Ti T'Ang
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Wikimedia Commons - Qwert1234
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Wikimedia Commons - Qwert1234
Summary
A deciduous perennial bramble with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic to basic soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Description
A deciduous perennial bramble with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage. Grows in mildly acidic to basic soil pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
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 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.
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)
Japanese Rose
Rubus ikenoensis
Wikimedia Commons - Qwert1234
Red Baneberry: Short herbaceous plant (no thorns), berries on thick red stems, each berry has a single seed, compound sharply-toothed leaves.
Japanese Rose: Thorny woody canes (brambles), aggregate berry made of many drupelets, berries pull easily from receptacle.
Synonyms
References (2)
- Bull. Soc. Bot. France 53:549. 1906
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
