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 Silvestre

General Information

Rubus roseus is a shrub producing each year a cluster of scrambling or arching stems growing from a woody rootstock - the canes can be up to 250cm long[]. The stems only produce leaves in their first year, forming flower and leaf-bearing branches in their second year of growth and dying after flowering.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is cultivated for its fruits in the Andes[] - these are often sold in S. American markets, and are sometimes exported to Europe[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia.

Habitat

Found in the Andes at elevations up to 2,800 metres in Bolivia and from 3,000 - 3,700 metres in Ecuador[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
The plant produces a large, tasty fruit, but it is not very productive[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. An acid to sweet flavour[]. Juicy, with a pleasant flavour[]. Resembling raspberries, they are made into refreshing drinks[]. The crimson, oval to conical fruits are 25 - 40mm long[].

Medicinal

None known

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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