Description
Common names
Native Raspberry, Small-leaved Bramble, Native Bramble, Pink-flowered Native Raspberry, Small Leaf Bramble, Small Leaf Raspberry, Small-leaf Bramble.
Scientific names
Rubus parvifolius.
Family
Rosaceae.
Genus
Rubus.
Rainfall
900mm.
Presence in Australia
Predominantly east of the Hume Highway in higher rainfall areas.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA.
Habit
Scrambling perennial prickly shrub with stems to about 1m long.
Site preference
Prefers moist well-drained soil and semi-shade. Very hardy and drought tolerant.
Flowering
Red or pink flowers, Sep-Feb.
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.
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.
Koori
Berries were eaten by Kooris.
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. Often confused with blackberry.