Himalayan blackberry
Rubus rugosus

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

A climbing shrub. The leaves have stalks. They are oval and 5-7 lobed. They have irregular teeth. They are deeply heart shaped. They have a yellowish layer underneath and are wrinkled above. The flowers are pink or white. They occur either in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit are red or dark purple.

There are about 250 Rubus species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In Nepal they grow between 1000-2000 m altitude. They grow in open rocky places. In Vietnam it has been recorded at 1,000 m above sea level. It occurs in the Western Ghats in India.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Cambodia, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Tasmania, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for the preparation of a yeast culture.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from root offshoots or seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Amreng sobai, Ban ainselu, Bhaise aiselu, Dum nham, Goru ainselu, Jetulipoka, Keriberry, Kohamoushush, Morok jemben, Mullu pazham, Naichin, Shiinghokoghoshi,Sukhaith ri, Ta:sinpusin, Thekhi-sambak, Thesobai

Synonyms

Rubus hamiltonianus Seringe; Rubus moluccanus Hook.f. in part;