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 lineatus is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub usually growing about 3 metres tall, but sometimes more or less climbing when the stems can be up to 10 metres long[]. The stems have just a few minute prickles on them[].
The edible fruit is sometimes gathered from the wild for local consumption. An ornamental plant, it is sometimes grown in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia.

Habitat

Gregarious on hillsides in the oak forest region of Sikkim at elevations from 1,800 - 2,700 metres[]. Slopes, valleys, forest understoreys, margins of forests and fallow fields; at elevations from 1,400 - 3,000 metres in China[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus lineatus is a plant of the warm temperate zone in southern China, moving into the tropics of southeast Asia. In the temperate zone it can only be grown outdoors in those areas with very mild winters.
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. This species requires a sunny sheltered position[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. The orange to red fruit is 7- 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit[].

The stems are used to make fences[].

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[].