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: Golden Evergreen Raspberry

General Information

Rubus ellipticus is an evergreen shrub producing a cluster of stout, heavily armed, upright, biennial stems from a woody rootstock. It usually grows 100 - 300cm tall, occasionally up to 450cm. 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 can rapidly form tall, dense thickets[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. The fruit is sold in local markets in the Himalayas[, ]. The plant is grown both as a fruit crop and an ornamental in a variety of places, including Florida, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and California[, ].
This species, particularly the subspecies obcordatus, has become established and naturalized in some areas of the Andes in S. America, where it is looking as though it could become a serious weed problem[]. The form of the plant growing in Hawaii seems to be particularly vigorous, producing much taller and denser growth than in its native range - since the first report of its escape from cultivation in Hawaii in 1961, it has become established in mid-elevation forest and pastureland, forming tall, dense thickets and spreading by seeds, suckers and only occasionally by layering. It is also able to resprout vigorously after a fire. Although not so vigorous in its native range, the plant often encroaches into cultivated areas there and would probably become more densely established were it not for the diligence of local farmers who remove it as a weed[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines

Habitat

Shrubberies and open hillsides; at elevations up to 2,300 metres in the Himalayas[]. Dry slopes, montane valleys, sparse forests and thickets; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.50 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus ellipticus is able to tolerate a variety of habitats from the warm temperate zone, where it experiences frosts, to tropical areas, where it is often found at higher elevations. Although found typically in sparsely colonized low rainfall sites in its native South and East Asia, it is also widely distributed through a variety of moisture habitats ranging from dry mountain slopes to the margins of lower and mid-elevation rice fields, whilst the var. obcordatus grows vigorously in wet lowland sites along pond banks, as well as in heavily forested to drier montane habitats at 1,000 - 2,500 metres up to 3,000 metres. In Hawaii, the only place to which it has been introduced where it has been recognized as a noxious weed, it occurs at about 1,300 metres elevation with an annual rainfall of 400mm[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Although fruiting best in a sunny position, this species is more shade tolerant than many other Rubus species[].
When grown in warmer regions, this species can flower and fruit all year round[].
Annual yields from wild plants in the Himalayas are about 750g from a plant occupying 2.5 square metres[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].
Root nodules from plants collected in Java showed nitrogenase activity and can be supposed to fix nitrogen under normal conditions[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[[, , , ]. A good raspberry-like flavour[, , , ]. Sweet with a pleasant blend of acidity[, ]. The golden yellow fruit is about 10mm in diameter[]. The fruit contains about 10.9% sugars, 1.1% protein, 0.5% ash, 0.55 pectin[].
The fruit is a good source of micronutrients such as anthocyanins, phenols, flavonoids and vitamin C. They have a moderate to good antioxidant activity and make an excellent, healthful addition to the diet[]

Medicinal

The plant is astringent and febrifuge[].

A decoction of the root, combined with Girardinia diversifolia root and the bark of Lagerstroemia parviflora, is used in the treatment of fevers[]. The juice of the root is used in the treatment of fevers, gastric troubles, diarrhoea and dysentery[]. The root, combined with the dried fruit of Brucea javanica is given in the treatment of dysentery[].
A paste of the roots is applied externally to wounds[].

Both the roots and the young shoots are considered to be a good treatment for colic[, ].

The leaf buds, combined with Centella asiatica and Cynodon dactylon, are pounded to a juice and used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[].

The fruit is an effective antioxidant[]. The juice of the fruit is used in the treatment of fever, colic, coughs and sore throat[].

The inner bark is used in Tibetan medicine, it is said to have a sweet and sour flavour plus a heating potency[]. A renal tonic and antidiuretic, it is used in the treatment of weakening of the senses, vaginal/seminal discharge, polyuria and micturation during sleep[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is traditionally grown in living fences in the northwestern Himalayas, where it helps to exclude livestock and other animals; mark out land boundaries; whilst also providing a range of medicinal and other uses[].
The plant is grown to deter soil erosion and is good for soil conservation[].
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

This species is used in raspberry breeding programmes, where it is crossed with some cultivars iorder to confer its resistance to diseases and to improve adaptibility to warmer climates[].

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

The root cortex reportedly contains more than 40% tannin that could be used for tannin extraction[].

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[].