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 buergeri is an evergreen shrub producing a cluster of erect to creeping, unarmed to sparingly armed, slender stems. The stems often root at the nodes and form new plants. Stolons up to 2 metres long are also produced - the plant often forming a dense mat of growth[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown in ornamental gardens, where it can be used as a ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, central and southern Japan, South Korea.

Habitat

Broad-leaved forests, mixed forests in mountainous regions at low to medium elevations[]. Woods in low mountains[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The purplish-black, subglobose fruit is about 25mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant makes a good, dense, ground cover, succeeding even in moderate shade[].

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[].