Bramble-of-the-cape (Rubus rosifolius, Pl. Icon. Ined. 3: t. 60 (1791))

Family: Rosaceae

Author: Sm.

Bibliography: Pl. Icon. Ined. 3: t. 60 (1791)

Year: 1791

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rubus

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. China to Trop. Asia

Description

The Bramble-of-the-cape, scientifically known as Rubus rosifolius, is a captivating species of the Rosaceae family. It was first described in the Pl. Icon. Ined. 3: t. 60 (1791) by the botanist James Edward Smith, identifed simply as ‘Sm.’ in botanical citations.

This fascinating plant is native to a wide geographic range, spanning from Central and Southern China all the way to Tropical Asia. The Bramble-of-the-cape is renowned for its hardy nature, allowing it to thrive in diverse climatic conditions across such a broad area.

The plant is distinguished by its lush, rose-like foliage which contributes to its aesthetic appeal. The leaves have a notably similar appearance to those of rose plants which is mirrored in its species name “rosifolius” — derived from Latin, meaning “rose-leaved.”

Rubus rosifolius also produces fruit that is reminiscent of raspberries, featuring small, red berries that are not only visually appealing but also edible, offering a tart flavor. These berries have historically been used in various culinary applications and traditional medicines throughout the regions where the plant naturally grows.

In horticulture and landscape design, the Bramble-of-the-cape is often utilized for its ornamental foliage and attractive fruit, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a touch of the exotic to their plots. Its robust adaptation to different environments makes it an ideal plant for areas ranging from lowland tropical climates to the temperate zones of southern China.

While the plant is not without its challenges, particularly in terms of managing its growth and spread, the Bramble-of-the-cape remains a cherished species among botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Its historical significance and continued importance in various cultural contexts underscore its lasting impact and versatility as a plant species.

Common Names

Eng: mauritius raspberry, roseleaf raspberry, west indian raspberry, bramble-of-the-cape, ola’a, raspberry-bush, rose-leaf bramble, thimbleberry, raspberry
Spa: frambueso de africa
Deu: javanische himbeere
En: Bramble-of-the-Cape, Raspberry-bush, Rose-leaf bramble, Thimbleberry, Mauritius raspberry, Roseleaf raspberry, West Indian raspberry, Ola’a, Raspberry
Zh: Kong xin pao
Fr: Framboisier
De: Javanische Himbeere
Ja: Tokin-ibara
Es: Frambueso de Africa
: West indian raspberry

Synonyms

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Jawa (native)
• Laos (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Philippines (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sulawesi (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Rodrigues (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by E. Mouysset (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2017 by Maxime JACQUOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Solène Monier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Mar 13, 2020 by corinne rombaut (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2021 by A L (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Solène Monier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 13, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Leonardo Leite (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2022 by Solène Monier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 27, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2019 by FREDDY JACQUES NION (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Leonardo Leite (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by Leonardo Leite (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 10, 2013 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Pierre Migot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 13, 2021 by Gonzalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 25, 2021 by Fernando da Luz Schmidt (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 21, 2022 by Christian (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2019 by Quyền Nguyễn Hùng (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 28, 2021 by Fabien Anthelme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8234521)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:739800-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rubus rosifolius Sm.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Subshrub

Growth