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 innominatus is a deciduous shrub, producing each year a cluster of erect to arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the 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. It is sometimes cultivated as a fruit crop and several cultivars derived from it have been cultivated in the USA since 1896[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China.

Habitat

Forests on mountain slopes, thickets, roadsides, streamsides, riversides in montane valleys; at elevations from 400 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Closely related to Rubus kuntzeanus[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. A good flavour[, ]. The fruit is orange-red in colour and about 10mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

This species is used in Rubus breeding programmes, where it is valued for its resistance to dryness[].

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[].