Rubus squarrosus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Rubus squarrosus is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Insects. The plant is not 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): 0.3

Where it is found

Forests in lowland to montane areas throughout New Zealand.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sap - raw or cooked.

Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A purple to dull blue dye is obtained from the fruit.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade. When grown in a sunny position this plant does not flower or fruit, it also produces skeletonized leaves in such a position and looks very different from the woodland form. A large climbing plant in its native range but it is not very hardy in Britain, succeeding outdoors only in the mildest areas of the country where it makes a small shrub. Even there it is best grown against a sunny wall. A plant is growing outdoors in a sheltered position in light woodland at Cambridge Botanical Gardens, it has survived at least one cold winter outdoors there. This species is closely related to R. cissoides. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed is required. Fruit is seldom formed in Britain. 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: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

R. cissoides pauperatus.