This species is sometimes spelled Rubus pirifolius[].
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 pyrifolius is a climbing shrub producing a cluster of scrambling, prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the stems usually scramble for up to 8 metres through the vegetation, though there is one report of the stems growing 30 metres long[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines

Habitat

Mountainous regions, sheltered sites on mountains, forests, forest margins, stream sides; at elevations up to 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Climber
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus pyrifolius is native to the warm temperate regions of southern China at elevations upto 2,100 metres, moving south into the tropical regions of southeast Asia. It is only likely to succeed outdoors in the warmest parts of the temperate zone.
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[]. One report says that the fruit is delicious and that the species may have value in breeding programmes, whilst another report says that is is scarcely edible[]. The red fruit is 10 - 15mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

This species is used medicinally[]. No more information is given.

Other Uses

None known

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.