The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[
] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[
]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[
Rubus pileatus is a deciduous shrub producing each year a cluster of scrambling, sparsely-prickly, biennial stems from a woody rootstock; the plant can grow 100 - 300cm tall. The stems only produce leaves, and do not flower, in their first year of growth; forming flowering branches in their second year and then dying after fruiting.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.
E. Asia - central and southern China
Sparse forests on roadsides, dense forests in montane valleys, river sides, ravines; at elevations from 1,400 - 2,800 metres[
Rubus pileatus grows in the temperate to warm temperate regions of China, hardiness zones 5 - 9[
Species in this genus are generally easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[
Fruit - raw or cooked. A raspberry-like fruit. The red, ovoid-globose fruit is 8 - 12mm in diameter[
The aerial parts of the plant have anticancer and antibacterial properties[
Seed - requires stratification, is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Sow stored seed as early as possible in the year in a cold frame and stratify for a month at 3°c if sowing later than late winter. 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.
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring.