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 geoides is a low-growing, perennial plant with more or less woody stems. The slender stems produce roots and branches at the leaf nodes, creeping to form a mat of growth up to 30cm tall[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It has been recommended for cultivation as a fruit crop.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands

Habitat

Often found in moist open to partly shaded areas among rocks, grassland, shrub communities, forest clearings and margins; at elevations up to 550 metres. Humus rich soils in the Magellan Straits and on small hills in S. Chile[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus geoides grows in the southern half of Chile, where it can be found at elevations from near sea level to around 2,000 metres. It succeeds in somewhat dry areas where there is a summer dry season of around 3 - 5 months and the mean annual precipitation is around 400 - 800mm, falling mainly in the winter. It is also found in moister regions where the rain can fall all year round[]. It has been known to survive winter temperatures falling occasionally to as low as -15°c, perhaps even short periods down to -20°c, and in some areas it can be covered by snow for several months of the year[].
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Prefers light shade in its native habitat[].
Plants are self-compatible and occasionally self-pollinated[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A raspberry-type plant with greenish-yellow fruits that are large and juicy with a delicious flavour[, , , ]. The purple to red fruits have a bittersweet flavour, and can be eaten fresh or in marmalades and jams.

Medicinal

None known

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