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 probus is a large, scrambling shrub producing a cluster of prickly stems from a woody rootstock - it can grow up to 3 metres tall. The plant spreads by means of rhizomes and can form large, impenetrable thickets[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is occasionally cultivated as a fruit crop, both in Australia and also in Puerto Rico[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australasia - New Guinea, Australia (Queensland)

Habitat

Disturbed areas in well developed lowland, upland and mountain rain forests; at elevations up to 1,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in a sunny position in a moist but well-drained soil[]. Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Usually flowers and fruits as a shrub when about 100 - 200cm tall[].
The plant responds well to pruning so it can be kept to manageble proportions if regularly maintained - however it is still too large and vigorous for all but large gardens[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The fruit has a sharp berry-raspberry flavour, stronger than exotic raspberries[]. A delicious fruit, it makes an excellent jam. The aggregate fruit is about 10 - 15mm long and 10 - 17mm wide[]. The bright red fruits can be up to 30mm in diameter[].

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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