Food Plants International

446
Names
English: Rose-leaf bramble Scientific name: Rubus rosifolius Smith
Tok pisin: Synonyms:
Tok ples: Plant family: Rosaceae
Description: A spiny evergreen shrub. It grows to 3 m
high and spreads to 3 m across. The stem is trailing
and forms suckers. The leaves have 3 to 7 leaflets on
opposite sides of the stalk. These are either smooth or
hairy with lobed edges. The leaflets are 1-9 cm long.
The flowers are white and 3 cm across. The fruit are
red and about 1.5 to 2 cm across. They occur on their
own or in clusters. They are juicy and tasteless. They
have several seeds inside which are very tiny.
Distribution: Plants are resistant to drought and frost. They are common in forests in the
Philippines at low and medium altitudes. They are common in the highlands. In Papua New
Guinea, Rubus rosifolius grows from 750-2850 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Cultivation: They grow wild. They could be grown by division of the root or from cuttings.
Production:
Use: The fruit are eaten.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C Zinc
part % KJ g mg mg µg mg mg
Fruit 82.9 1.3 1 0.3
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance: The plants are common in Papua New Guinea. The fruit is eaten especially by
children.