The name Rubus kumaonensis N.P.Balakr., has been proposed for this species - N.P. Balakrishnan J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. Vol 67 p58. 1970 - this is based on the possible illegitimacy of the name Rubus reticulatus due to earlier publications of the name (Rubus reticulatus Wall.(Numer. List [Wallich] n. 747. 1829) and Rubus reticulatus A.Kern. (Ber. Naturw. Ver. Innsbruck 165; Nov. Pl. Sp. Decas. iii. 42.)). However, the name Rubus kumaonensis does not appear to be widely taken up and so we are following the treatment in the Flora of China[] and treating this taxon as Rubus reticulatus Wall. ex Hook.f.
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 reticulatus is a low-growing, deciduous shrub producing a cluster of scrambling, biennial stems from a woody base[].
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 - Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim.

Habitat

Exposed hillsides; at elevations from 2,000 - 3,000 metres in Nepal[]. Broad-leaved evergreen forests in montane valleys, ravines and thickets on slopes; at elevations from 600 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	0.10 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[].
This species is closely related to Rubus moluccanus.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[]. The fruit is possible edible[] - it certainly is not poisonous[]. The globose, red fruit is 10 - 15mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The juice of the fruit is used in the treatment of stomach disorders[].

Other Uses

None known

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[].