Common Name: Blackberry

General Information

Rubus polyanthemus is a semi-deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of erect to arching, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plant generally grows up to 120cm tall, but may be taller if growing through other vegetation - the stems spread outwards, rooting where their tips touch the ground and forming dense thickets. The stems only produce leaves in their first year, forming flower and leaf-bearing branches in their second year of growth and dying after fruiting.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes cultivated for its fruit.
Introduced into Australia as a fruit crop, the plant has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized, especially in Victoria where it is seen as a noxious weed that damages the native environment[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Europe - Britain, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Nederlands, Belgium, France

Habitat

Grassland and forests[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. A black, globose fruit[].

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

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

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[].