Blackberry
Family Rosaceae
Rubus fruticosus (= Rubus ulmifolius), the blackberry (R. fruticosus 1), forms a cluster of radiating prickly canes with compound leaves, which curve and bend downwards until they touch the ground and a clump of new shoots is formed. The pentamerous white flowers with numerous stamens (R. fruticosus 2) are borne in terminal clusters of older shoots. The fruit is an aggregate of small black drupelets (R. fruticosus 3), which do not separate from the receptacle.
Distribution and use
The blackberry is a wild shrub in Europe and Asia with numerous varieties. For the commercial cultivation (R. fruticosus 4), varieties without thorns are developed. Blackberries are eaten raw, made into jam and preserves and used in pastries.