American bramble

American bramble

Rubus cuneifolius

Common Name:

American bramble

Scientific Name:

Rubus cuneifolius


Alternative common names:

Blackberry, Gozard’s curse, sand bramble (English); sandbraam, Amerikaanse braambos (Afrikaans); ijingijoye (isiZulu)

Description:

An erect to sprawling thorny shrub growing up to 2m high with deeply ridged stems. Green, finely serrated leaves sometimes densely grey-downy beneath. White flowers with petals that are much longer than the sepals and appear from September to January. The edible fruits are red turning black.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga and Limpopo Provinces.

How does it spread?

Seeds

Why is it a problem?

Competes with and replaces indigenous woody and grassland species. Dense stands are impenetrable and restrict access to forestry plantations; they also restrict access to grazing and water by domestic and wild animals.

What does it look like?

General description: A sprawling thorny bush growing up to 1,5m high.
Leaves: Green leaves with finely serrated margins, sometimes densely grey-downy beneath.
Flowers: White flowers with petals that are much longer than the sepals, from September to January.
Fruit/seeds: Fruits are red turning black.

Does the plant have any uses?

Edible fruits.

Leave a Reply