Spiny plum, Asian gooseberry
Ribes alpestre

Family: Grossulariaceae

What it is like

A shrub. It has many branches. It grows about 2 m high. The stem is prickly. There are 1-3 spines at each node. The leaves have long stalks. They are rounded with blunt teeth. They are slightly hairy. The flowers occur singly. They are white and bell shaped. The fruit is a berry. It is oval and dull red. It has hairy glands over it.

Where it is found

It is a temperate to subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 3200-3600 m altitude. It grows on dry, open slopes. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten. They are also preserved in jams and jellies. They are also used for wine and soft drinks.

The fruit are especially eaten by children. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Amlanch, Askuta, Dong nai ya yi, Jiong duo, Kansi, Masino kimu, Sheen korai, Shutum, Sirkutti, Suanmiguoguo, Teila, Zasoot

Synonyms

Ribes grossularia C.B.Clarke in part non L.; Ribes himalensis Royle;