Mora De Castilla, Andes berry
Rubus glaucus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus glaucus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Apomictic (reproduce by seeds formed without sexual fusion). The plant is self-fertile. 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): 3
Where it is found
Not known
S. America - northern Andes through Central America to Mexico.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Found in Latin America from Mexico to Bolivia, including the northern and central Andes. Native to tropical highlands of northwestern South America and Central America.
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw or cooked. Rich, tart and very juicy, they are superior in flavour and quality to most cultivated blackberries and raspberries. Similar to a loganberry in terms of taste and utility. The fruit is up to 3cm long.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
Because the plant has a resistance to cane-spot disease (Mycosphaerella rubi) and also has potential for improving the quality of other fruits, this species is crossed with Rubus cultivars in breeding programmes. This species could be useful in hybridization programmes with American and European blackberries and raspberries, but it is susceptible to some N. American raspberry diseases. A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Often cultivated in S. America for its edible fruit. Yields of up to 20 tonnes per hectare are achieved in S. America. This species could be useful in hybridization programmes with American and European blackberries and raspberries, but it is susceptible to some N. American raspberry diseases. Closely related to R. occidentalis. 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: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Mora de Castilla, Andes-berry, Mora, Andes black raspberry,