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 ichangensis is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub producing each year a cluster of scrambling, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the slender stems can be up to 300cm long[]. 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 is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its fruiting display[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China.

Habitat

Thickets and ravines; at elevations up to 1,800 metres[]. Slopes, fallow fields, dense forests in valleys and thickets; at elevations from 800 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus ichangensis can tolerate occasional temperatures falling as low as -10°c, though the young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. Plants are not very happy in windy situations, especially if the winds are maritime[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The small, bright red fruit is sweet and well flavoured[, , , , ]. The subglobose red fruit is 6 - 8mm in diameter[]. It is borne in panicles that can be up to 60cm long[].

Medicinal

The root is used in medicine[]. We have no further information, but the root is a good source of tannins and so is likely to be used as an astringent[].

Other Uses

Tannin is extracted from the roots and stems[].

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[].