This species is closely related to Rubus glaucus, and may only be a form of that species[].
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:

General Information

Rubus eriocarpus is a shrub, producing a cluster of erect to subscandent, prickly stems from a woody rootstock; it can grow up to 250cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated in Central America for these fruits, which have been described as one of the best all over the world)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Panama to Guatemala and Mexico

Habitat

Moist thickets or pine-oak forest; at elevations from 2,000 - 4,000 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Of very good quality[]. The red-purple to dark purple fruit is 12 - 20mm long and 8 - 15mm wide, sometimes larger[].

Medicinal

None known

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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