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 henryi is an evergreen shrub forming a cluster of scrambling, sparsely-prickly stems from a woody rootstock; the slender stems can be up to 600 cm tall if support is given11, [].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental in large gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan)

Habitat

Slopes, valleys, mountainous areas, forests and thickets; at elevations up to 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	4.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ], preferring light shade[]. Requires a fertile humus-rich soil[]. Prefers a neutral to acid soil but tolerates some alkalinity so long as the soil does not become dry[].
Hardy to about -14°c[].
A scrambling climbing plant, supporting itself by means of hooked prickles[]. The plant is moderately fast-growing and can become invasive when in good conditions[]. Plants are very vigorous[].
The plant has biennial stems produced from a perennial rootstock. These stems flower and fruit in their second year and then die[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. A very sweet flavour[]. The subglobose, black fruit is 13 - 15mm in diameter[].

The young leaves are used to make tea[].

Medicinal

None known

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[].