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 gunnianus is a low-growing, deciduous shrub, suckering to form a cluster of growth; the stems can be up to 20cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Victoria, Tasmania

Habitat

Open well-drained slopes on mountains over 900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.15 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus gunnianus is native to mountainous areas of Tasmania where it can experience moderately cold winters and snow.
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
One report (in a plant catalogue) suggests that the plant is dioecious, in which case both male and female plants would need to be grown if fruit was required[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. A raspberry of very good quality[, ]. Each fruit is made up of only a few drupes[].

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