There has been considerable confusion over the identity of the cultivated blackberry ’Himalaya Giant’. In the past it has been assigned to both Rubus procerus P.J.Müll. ex Boulay, and to Rubus discolor Weihe & Nees. Most, though not all, modern treatments now assign ‘Himalaya Giant’ to Rubus armeniacus Focke, with Rubus discolor and Rubus procerus both having been used erroneously to apply to ‘Himalaya Giant’. The true Rubus procerus P.J.Müll. ex Boulay has been reduced to synonymy of Rubus praecox Bertol., whilst Rubus discolor Weihe & Nees has been reduced to synonymy of Rubus ulmifolius Schott[].
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: Himalaya Giant

General Information

Rubus armeniacus is an evergreen shrub producing each year a cluster of very vigorous, spiny, arching, usually biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the stems can be 6 - 12 metres long[]. Although it is a blackberry (usually with biennial stems), the stems of this species are often perennial and can fruit for more than one year[]. The plant may lose its leaves in very cold winters[].
The plant has been widely cultivated in temperate zones throughout the world for its relatively large, sweet-tasting fruits[].
Rubus armeniacus was introduced outside of its native range as a cultivated crop for the production of sweet fruits. It soon escaped cultivation and has since naturalized in many temperate areas around the world. It can reproduce both vegetatively and by the production of seed, which can be transported to new locations after ingestion by birds. This species is highly invasive and can form impenetrable thickets which have a negative impact on native flora and fauna. In addition to this, it has been reported as highly invasive in Central Europe, and has been identified as one of the 10 most problematic invasive plants or bryophytes in Sweden, and noted as a threat to vegetation in Pannonian sandy habitats in Hungary[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

W. Asia - Caucasus (Armenia)

Habitat

Abundant in riparian zones, edges of wetlands and other areas that experience occasional flooding such as irrigation channels, it colonizes disturbed areas such as recently burnt sites, along railway lines, roadsides and fence lines[]

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus armeniacus is a plant of temperate environments, from coastal estuaries to inland upland sites as high as 1,800 metres above sea level. It occurs mainly in areas with an average annual rainfall greater than 760mm, at altitudes from near sea level up to 1,800 metres[]. It is restricted to temperate and continental climates[]. The plant can tolerate short-lived temperatures falling as low as -18°c and summer temperatures occasionally rising as high as 37°c[]
Prefers a position in full sunlight but also grows well under light canopies, though it does not grow well under dense canopies[]. The plant tolerates a wide range of soil types, growing in fine, medium and coarse textured soils that are acid to alkaline. It tolerates occasional flooding with both fresh and brackish water. A field study of the species adaptive capacity to drought demonstrated that it is capable of both rapid water use when water is widely available and effective at water acquisition when it is in short supply[].
Rubus armeniacus was at one time the most commonly cultivated blackberry in Europe, and was also widely grown in N. America. It is less grown at present, being largely replaced by Rubus laciniatus which, although having a smaller and less sweet fruit, has the advantage of being easier to harvest (since it is free of spines) and having a firmer fruit that is easier to get to market in good condition[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. Large, sweet and tasty[]. The black, globose fruot can be 20mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The following uses are for Rubus plicatus and can also apply here[].

The root-bark and the leaves are strongly astringent, depurative, diuretic, tonic and vulnerary[, , , , ]. They make an excellent remedy for dysentery, diarrhoea, haemorrhoids, cystitis etc, the root is the more astringent[, ]. Externally, they are used as a gargle to treat sore throats, mouth ulcers and gum inflammations[, ].

A decoction of the leaves is useful as a gargle in treating thrush and also makes a good general mouthwash[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be grown along fences and trellises to create impenetrable barriers[].
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 - 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[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].