Rubus leucostachys

Schleich. ex Sm.

Rosaceae Edible: Fruit 33 iNaturalist observations

Has a deadly poisonous lookalike — see comparison below

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Summary

A deciduous shrub with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated flowers. Grows in light sandy, medium loamy, or heavy clay soils with good drainage. Accepts mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shaded or sunny conditions and prefers moist soil.

Description

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It is sweet but somewhat insipid in flavour.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Distribution

It is a temperate plant.

Where It Grows

Australia, Britain, Europe, Tasmania,

Cultivation

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Very closely related to R. adscitus. 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 requires one month stratification at about 3°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. 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 layering in July, planting out in autumn. Division can be done in early spring or just before leaf-fall in autumn.