Rubus cockburnianus

Rubus cockburnianus

Rubus cockburnianus, also known as the white-stemmed bramble or ghost bramble, is a species of flowering plant in the rose family, native to China. It is a deciduous shrub with arching, thornless stems that are covered in a white, waxy bloom, hence the common name.

Description

Rubus cockburnianus is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 3 meters in height. The plant's most distinctive feature is its white, waxy stems, which are thornless and arching. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets that are dark green on top and pale underneath. The flowers are small, white, and appear in summer, followed by small, red fruits.

Distribution and Habitat

Rubus cockburnianus is native to China, where it grows in forests, along streams, and on hillsides at elevations of 1000-3000 meters. It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in other parts of the world for its attractive stems and foliage.

Cultivation

Rubus cockburnianus is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand. It prefers well-drained soil and can grow in both full sun and partial shade. The plant is propagated by seed or by cuttings.

Uses

In addition to its use as an ornamental plant, Rubus cockburnianus is also used in traditional Chinese medicine. The leaves and stems are used to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and skin diseases.

See Also

• Rubus
• Flora of China
• Traditional Chinese Medicine

References

• Flora of China Editorial Committee. 1988-2013. Flora of China (Checklist & Addendum). Unpaginated. In C. Y. Wu, P. H. Raven & D. Y. Hong (eds.) Fl. China. Science Press & Missouri Botanical Garden Press, Beijing & St. Louis.
• The Plant List (2010). Version 1. Published on the Internet; http://www.theplantlist.org/ (accessed 1st January).
• Huxley, A., ed. (1992). New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. Macmillan.