The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[].

Common Name: Mora Comun

General Information

Rubus adenotrichus is a deciduous climbing shrub producing biennial, arching stems that can be up to 5 metres long. The stems produce leaves only in their first year, forming flower and leaf-bearing branches in their second year and dying after fruiting[]. The stems only produce leaves and do not flower in their first year, forming flowering branches in their second year and dying after fruiting[]. The plant climbs by scrambling into other plants and holding itself in position by means of its prickly stem.
The edible fruit is widely appreciated and it is often gathered from the wild for local use[, , , ]. The fruit is often sold in local markets in Colombia[, , , ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Central America to northern S. America - Mexico to Ecuador.

Habitat

Found at elevations between 2,600 to 3,400 metres[]. Moist or wet thickets or hillsides, rarely in rather dry places, often in oak or pine forest, at elevations of 1,200 - 2,500 metres in Guatemala[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Apomictic
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A species for subtropical areas or higher elevations in tropical areas[].
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
The fruit is inferior to Rubus glauca but the plant is heavier yielding and more tolerant of different conditions, it has potential for improvement[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Used to make juices, jellies and desserts[]. A blackberry, it is well flavoured and of good quality[, ]. Usually sour, but sometimes rather sweet[]. The purple, ellipsoid fruit is up to 2cm long[, ].

Medicinal

A decoction of the root is used as an astringent to treat dysentery[].

Other Uses

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

Propagation

Seed - germinates best if given a period of cold stratification prior to sowing in containers. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the growing season. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on until large enough to plant out.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame[].
Tip layering towards the end of the growing season
Division just before the plant comes into new growth or as it enters dormancy[].

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