Rubus phoenicolasius

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Wineberry
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Order: Rosales Family: Rosaceae Subfamily: Rosoideae Genus: Rubus Species: R. phoenicolasius
Binomial name
Rubus phoenicolasius Maxim.

The wineberry (Rubus phoenicolasius), a type of raspberry, grows wild in the eastern part of the United States. The heart-shaped leaves grow in groups of three and are white underneath. The canes have fine, red thorns, which appear much like red hair. The calyx (covering the fruit until it is ripe) is also red and hairy. The delicate fruits are slightly tart and ripen to a deep red in late June to early July.

New plants are formed from the tips of existing canes touching the ground. They enjoy moist soil and grow near and within wooded areas. They are considered invasive in some areas.^[1]

They are also called Wine raspberries and Japanese wineberries. Despite the name, they are no more or less suited for winemaking.

Wineberry is also a tree endemic to New Zealand.

[edit] References

1. ^ Swearingen, J., K. Reshetiloff, B. Slattery, and S. Zwicker (2002). Wineberry. Plant Invaders of Mid-Atlantic Natural Areas. National Park Service and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.