Japanese Rose, Ramanas Rose, Wrinkled rose, Turkestan rose, Meigui, Mau, Humanasi, Beach rose, Hedgehog rose, Rugose rose, Tomato rose, Mei gui
Rosa rugosa
Family: Rosaceae
What it is like
A prickly shrub. It grows 1.5-2.4 m high and spreads 1.5-2.4 m wide. It has stout prickles. The leaves are dark green and have a wrinkled surface. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves turn orange in autumn. The flowers are purple-pink and single. The fruit are rose-hips 2.5-5 cm across. They are red.
They are 25 times richer in Vitamin C than oranges. There are about 150 Rosa species and many cultivated varieties. It can be invasive.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It is hardy. It will grow on most soils. It needs good drainage. It suits hardiness zones 2-9. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Alaska, Asia, Australia, Britain, Canada, China (country/location of origin), Europe, Falklands, Finland, Ireland, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea (country/location of origin), North America, Norway, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, Tasmania, USA
How it is used for food
The rosehips are made into wine, tea, syrup, jelly or tarts. The petals are used for scenting tea. They are also nibbled, used in salads, candied and used for jam, and syrup. The unripe fruit can be peeled, cooked and eaten. The young shoots are boiled or steamed and served as a potherb.
The hips are a traditional food of the Ainu people of Japan. It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Flowers, fruit, seeds, stem
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.
Its other names
Local names
Haedanghwa, Japonski šipek, Mau-ni, Rynkerose, Shipovnik