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: Blackberry

General Information

Rubus anglocandicans is a semi-deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of spiny, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plant usually grows up to 2 metres tall, occasionally to 4 metres, the stems arching and rooting at their tips to form dense thickets of growth[]. 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 produces a good quality blackberry and is commonly harvested from the wild. It is also cultivated for its fruit.
Rubus anglocandicans was introduced to Australia as a fruit crop, but has escaped from cultivation and become one of the most noxious weeds of southeastern Australia. It spreads to new areas by means of seed from bird-eaten fruits, and then spreads vegetatively to form dense, impenetrable thickets that exclude native species[]..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Britain.

Habitat

Grasslands to forests, most common in wetter areas as a weed in eastern Australia..

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. A black, globose fruit[].

Medicinal

None known

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 - 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.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].