Family:

Rosaceae

Rubus parvifolius

Native Raspberry

Other Names: Small-leaved Bramble, Native Bramble

First Nations Name(s):

Regional Subspecies:

Similar Species:

Often confused with blackberry (Rubus fruticosus aggregate).

Occurrence:

Regional:

Predominantly east of the Hume Highway in higher rainfall areas.

Habit:

Scrambling perennial prickly shrub with stems to about 1 m long.

Site Preference:

Prefers moist well-drained soil and semi-shade. Very hardy and drought tolerant.

Flowering:

Red or pink flowers, spring to summer.

Seed Collection:

Red raspberry-like fruit, mid Dec to mid Feb. Mature fruits shed in 3-14 days.

Propagation:

From fresh seed, semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, or root suckers.

VALUES:

Land Protection:

Native raspberry is not invasive and is not a weed threat.

Wildlife:

Excellent habitat. Berries are food for native birds and plants are valuable cover for bandicoots.

First Nations:

Berries were eaten.

Ornamental:

Attractive groundcover for rocks and walls, and can be trained as a climber.

Other:

Berries are sweet and edible, and were gathered by colonists for jams and pies. Leaves can make an astringent tea to treat diarrhoea.