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: Black Raspberry

General Information

Rubus racemosus is a deciduous shrub producing a cluster of prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting. The plant grows vigorously, forming dense, impenetrable thickets of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental.
At present, this species has been listed as invasive only in Jamaica, where it is principally invading areas in montane rainforests in the Blue Mountains region. The plant grows vigorously there and fruits abundantly, forming impenetrable thickets that out-compete and displace native vegetation and impede the movement of native wildlife[]. Although it has been apparently introduced only in Jamaica, this species has the capability to colonize similar montane and rain forests in tropical and subtropical regions[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India (Nilgiri Hills)

Habitat

Montane rainforests, often found in cleared forest and other areas of disturbance, also in grassland, along the sides of roads and railways, in plantations etc[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus racemosus is found at low to moderate elevations in the tropical monsoon climate of southern India. It can tolerate several months of a dry season and is found growing in regions where the mean annual rainfall can vary from 800 - 2,000mm[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained, circumneutral loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The purple, globose fruit is around 10mm wide[].

Medicinal

The plant is used in traditional medicine as an astringent, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant[].
A decoction of the root is useful for treating relaxed bowels and dysentery[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Most, if not all, thicket-forming species of Rubus have good erosion control value. They usually grow satisfactorily on barren and infertile soils and invade and occupy eroded areas. They also establish quickly on burns, old fields, and logged areas. Forming extensive and nearly impenetrable thickets, they can provide excellent cover for wildlife as well as nesting sites for small birds. They are often natural pioneer species, paving the way for woodlands to develop, but they should only really be used within their native range in order to avoid any risks of them invading other habitats[, ].

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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