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 impressinervus is a perennial plant producing a cluster of stems 50 - 100cm tall, growing from a woody rootstock[].
We have no specific information on the edibility of this fruit, but it is of a good size and is very likely to be harvested.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southeast China (Fujian, Guangdong, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang)

Habitat

Montane valleys, dense forests, grasslands, wet waste places; at elevations from 1,300 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.70 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus impressinervus is native to southeastern China where it grows mainly in hardiness zones 8 - 9, where winters are short and fairly mild. It is unlikely to survive in regions with long cold winters.
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The brownish red, subglobose fruit can be around 20mm in diameter[]. We have no more information on fruit quality, but it is of a good size[].

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[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].