Mauritius Raspberry
Rubus rosifolius
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus rosifolius is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2.5 m (8ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Hillsides in gullies, rock seams and bases of walls in China. Damp eucalyptus forest, rainforest edges, paddocks and roadsides in Australia.
E. Asia - Himalayas to the East Indies and Australia.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc. A type of raspberry, but without any pleasant flavour. Insipid. It is usually cooked, making good tarts and jams. The red fruit is up to 15mm in diameter. Leaves. No further details are given.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves and the roots are anodyne, astringent and depurative. A decoction of the leafy stems is used in the treatment of fevers.
Other
Rating: 1
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. Not very hardy outdoors in Britain, it usually requires greenhouse protection though it has been seen outdoors at Kew growing at the base of a west-facing wall and might succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of the country. This species is a raspberry with biennial stems, it produces a number of new stems each year from the perennial rootstock, these stems fruit in their second year and then die. The fruit is sold in local markets in the Himalayas. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.
Propagating it: 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, July/August in a frame. Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn. Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist