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: Cloudberry

General Information

Rubus chamaemorus is a herbaceous, perennial plant with long, creeping, branched rhizomes; it produces, at intervals, erect, annual, unbranched and unarmed stems 5 - 30cm tall[, ].
The fruits are highly valued wild food in northern regions of the temperate zone, where they are eaten raw and also used in yogurt, jams, syrups, and juices. The plant is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop and an alcoholic beverage that is made from the fruits is sold commercially in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Finland[, , ].
The species is widespread and while it is possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for Vulnerable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, , ,

Range

Eurasia - Norway to Britain, east to Russian Far East, China, Japan; N. America - Alaska to Newfoundland, south to British Colombia and Connecticut

Habitat

Bogs, muskeg, wet meadows, mossy woods, boreal forests, peaty tundra, lichen peat polygons, exposed sandy areas, lakesides, gravelly stream beds and rock outcrops, avoiding shade and calcareous soils; at elevations up to 1,300 metres[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Bees, Flies
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Avoids calcareous soils in the wild and is often found in boggy soils[].
Considered to be a gourmet fruit, it is occasionally sold in speciality stores[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. Sour but delicious, the fruit can be eaten out of hand or stewed, used in preserves, pies etc[]. Rich in vitamin C[]. The sweet fruit tastes like baked apples[]. The fruit contains 3 - 6% sugar,
malic and citric acids[]. The golden yellow to orange or reddish, globose fruits are 12 - 15mm lin diameter[].
An alcoholic beverage made from the fruits is sold commercially in Newfoundland, Quebec, and Finland[]..

Flowers - raw.

The fresh or dried leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Medicinal

A decoction of the roots has been used as 'woman's medicine'[]. A decoction of the root and lower stem has been used by barren women to try and become pregnant[].

The root has been used in the treatment of coughs, fevers and consumption[].

Other Uses

This species is used in breeding programmes for the raspberry (Rubus idaeus) in order to improve the fruit flavour[].

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].