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: Japanese Wineberry

General Information

Rubus phoenicolasius is a deciduous shrub, producing each year a cluster of erect to arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plants usually grow 100 - 200cm tall, occasionally to 300cm[, , ].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 plants form roots where the stem tips touch the ground, developing into dense, clusters.
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Of good quality, the plant is sometimes grown as a fruit crop in various countries of the world, and is also grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued especially for its red stems in the winter.
Rubus phoenicolasius was introduced to North America for edible fruit, breeding stock, and for ornament. It has escaped from cultivation and has proved at times to be invasive[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Waste places and clearings in lowland and mountains all over Japan[]. Roadsides and montane valleys; at low to medium elevations in China[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	1.80 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus phoenicolasius is able to tolerate occasional temperatures falling to about -18°c - some damage may be caused at this temperature but plants usually recover well[].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ], preferring light shade[]. Plants are not too happy when grown in windy situations[]. The plant is able to tolerate a wide range of soil types, textures, and pH values - in America it has been found growing in conditions ranging from to dry, extremely acidic, infertile, silty clay loams;seasonally flooded swamps, thin, rocky but moist soils; limy talus slope in dense shade; sandy soils as well as deep fertile loams[].
A very ornamental plant, its red stems adding colour to the winter garden[].
It is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit[, ]. There is at least one named variety, 'Bella di Tokyo' has small tasty red fruits[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , ]. Sweet and juicy[], A raspberry-like fruit, it is smaller than a raspberry, contains rather a lot of seeds and is not quite such a flavourful fruit, but it makes very nice eating all the same[]. The fruit has been used to colour wine[]. After flowering, the fruit is enclosed in its calyx until just before it is ripe, this prevents maggots etc getting into the fruit[]. The orange to red, subglobose fruit is about 10 - 20mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Most, if not all, thicket-forming species of Rubus have good erosion control value. They usually grow satisfactorily on barren and infertile soils and invade and occupy eroded areas. They also establish quickly on burns, old fields, and logged areas. Forming extensive and nearly impenetrable thickets, they can provide excellent cover for wildlife as well as nesting sites for small birds. They are often natural pioneer species, paving the way for woodlands to develop, but they should only really be used within their native range in order to avoid any risks of them invading other habitats[, ].

Other Uses

This species is used in raspberry (Rubus idaeus) breeding programmes as a crossing partner for obtaining resistance to leaf-spot virus[].

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

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification, is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as early as possible in the year in a cold frame and stratify for a month at 3°c if sowing later than late winter. 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.
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring.