Stone bramble

Stone Bramble (Rubus saxatilis) is a species of bramble, native to much of Europe and Asia, from Iceland and the British Isles east to Xinjiang Province in western China. It also occurs in the mountains of North Africa.

Description

The Stone Bramble is a low-growing, deciduous shrub reaching 10–40 cm tall, with perennial, not biennial woody stems that are covered with fine needles. The leaves are pinnate, with three leaflets. The flowers are produced singly or up to five together in a loose corymb, each flower 1.2–2 cm diameter with five white petals. The fruit is 1–1.2 cm diameter, soft, juicy and sweet, with a very distinctive, moderately strong aroma.

Habitat

The Stone Bramble prefers acidic soils in heathland and moorland, and is also found in birch and pine woodland. It is a pioneer species that colonises disturbed areas such as the margins of forest tracks and clearings.

Uses

The fruit of the Stone Bramble is edible and can be used to make jams, jellies and desserts. It is also used in traditional medicine for its astringent properties.

Cultivation

Cultivation of Stone Bramble is similar to that of other bramble fruits. It prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil. The plants can be propagated by seed, division or layering.

See also

• Bramble
• Rubus
• Cloudberry
• Raspberry

References

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