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: Amorinha Verde

General Information

Rubus brasiliensis is a spiny shrub growing 1 - 2 metres tall.
The edible fruits are gathered from the wild and consumed locally. The plant is sometimes cultivated for its fruits. An ornamental plant, it is valued particularly for its flowers[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Brazil.

Habitat

Common on he edges of forests and in open places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of moderate elevations in the subtropics to tropics, being found at elevations from 700 - 1,600 metres in the tropics.
Requires a position in full sun or bright shade[]. Succeeds in most soils[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or made into drinks, jellies etc[, ]. A pleasant, sweet flavour[].

Medicinal

The plant is used in folk medicine[].
The aerial parts of the plant are used in the treatment of nervous breakdowns[]. Both hexane and ethane extracts of the leaves have been shown to have an anxiolytic effect similar to benzodiazepine drugs[].

Agroforestry Uses:

A pioneer species, readily invading pastures[].

Other Uses

None known

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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