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 pungens is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of erect, spiny, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; it can grow up to 300cm tall. 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 stems usually have needle-like prickles[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - northern India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Woods in mountains, C. and S. Japan[]. Semi-shaded wet places in montane valleys, forests on slopes and thickets; at elevations from 600 - 3,900 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	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 raspberry-like fruit. The subglobose red fruit is 10 - 15mm in diameter[]. (as Rubus oldhamii)

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

This species is used in breeding programmes with the red raspberry (Rubus idaeus strigosus), where it has been involved in the origin of the cultivar 'Prestige' (New Hampshire 1979)[].

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[].