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: Korean Bramble

General Information

Rubus coreanus is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of erect or arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; it usually grows 2 - 3 metres tall, occasionally reaching 4.5 metres[, ]. The stems only produce leaves in their first year of growth, forming flower and leaf-bearing branches in their second year and dying after fruiting.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop in gardens in Japan[], and is also sometimes grown as an ornamental, valued for its vigorous blue-white stems and beautiful pinnate foliage[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Thickets on slopes, montane valleys, riverbanks and roadsides; at elevations from 100 - 3,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants are occasionally cultivated for their edible fruit in Japan[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[105. 177]. Small with a poor flavour[]. The dark red or purplish black, subglobose, aggregate fruit is 5 - 8mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The fruit is aphrodisiac, astringent, restorative and tonic[, , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of complaints associated with disturbed liver and kidney functions, such as back pain, urinary dysfunction, premature greying, blurred vision, infertility, impotence and premature ejaculation[, ]. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and can be used fresh or dried[].

The leaves are used as a tonic for older people[].

The juice of the bruised leaves or a decoction of the root are used in the treatment of ophthalmia[].

The seed is astringent and tonic[].

In Korea and China the fruits are used as a traditional medicine (particularly as an aphrodisiac)[].

Other Uses

The plant is used in raspberry breeding programmes in England and USA, mainly with the intention of increasing the yield by higher numbers of flowers and fruits, for resistance to anthracnose (cane spot disease) and for improving the adaptibility of brambles to warm climates[].

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