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Rubus mesogaeus Focke

Modern name

Rubus mesogaeus Focke

A strong-growing deciduous shrub with erect stems unbranched the first year, springing from the ground like raspberry canes and growing 10 ft long in a season, arched at the top; they are quite velvety with down which persists through the winter; prickles 18 in. or less long, curved. Leaves trifoliolate, with a velvety, prickly main-stalk, the side leaflets very shortly stalked. The leaflets vary much in size and are from 2 to 7 in. long and from half to nearly as much wide; they are ovate to roundish ovate, coarsely toothed, the terminal one the largest and more or less lobed, mostly slenderly pointed, rounded or slightly heart-shaped at the base, slightly downy above, grey-velvety beneath. Flowers small, pinkish white, borne in short axillary clusters; sepals ultimately reflexed; fruits black, round, 13 in. wide with a few hairs at the summit of each pip. Blossoms in June.

Native of Central and W. China, where it is widely spread; introduced by Wilson in 1907. It is related to the common raspberry. Notable chiefly for its strong growth and large leaves. It has been confused in gardens with R. pedunculosus, which has wholly downy fruits.


Genus

Rubus

Other species in the genus