Rubus lineatus
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
Rubus lineatus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in flower from June to August, and the seeds ripen from September to October. 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Gregarious on hillsides in the oak forest region of Sikkim, 1800 - 2700 metres. Slopes, valleys, forest understories, margins of forests and fallow fields at elevations of 1400 - 3000 metres
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or cooked. The orange to red fruit is 7- 10mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 2
A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit. The stems are used to make fences.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Fencing: Plants that can be used for fencing.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. This species requires a sunny sheltered position. A very ornamental plant, it only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Stems have just a few minute prickles on them. 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; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist