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:

General Information

Rubus biflorus is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of upright to scrambling, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; it can grow 100 - 300cm tall[]. 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 has an aggressive, suckering habit, forming thickets of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its thick white stems which are a feature in winter gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas of northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar north to southern and central China

Habitat

Scrub, forest edges and open slopes; at elevations from 1,800 - 3,300 metres[, ]. Valleys, riversides, slopes, roadsides, thickets, forests and forest margins; at elevations from 1,500 - 3,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus biflorus is hardy to about -15°c[]. Another report suggests that the plant will only succeed outdoors in the mildest parts of the country[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Prefers a position in full sun[].
The plant produces ornamental canes with a white, waxy coating and is sometimes grown as an ornamental, cutting it down to ground level in late winter each year to encourage a fresh crop of young canes - this does, however, prevent fruit being formed[, ]. An alternative is to allow the canes to grow in their second year and fruit, then cut them down to the ground so that the new first year canes are shown prominently throught the autumn and winter[].
The plant does need plenty of space, and is not a good neighbour because of its prickly stems[].
This species is a raspberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , , ]. The yellow fruit is pleasantly flavoured[]. Sweetish[]. The fruit ripens within the calyx[] - this can help to deter insect pests[]. The globose fruit is around 10 - 20mm in diameter[, ].

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

None known

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[].