The Native Raspberry is May's plant of the month.
Common name:
Native Raspberry
Botanical name:
Rubus sp.
Family:
Rosaceae
Distribution:
Raspberries, or Rubus species, are found all over the world, especially in the northern hemisphere. Europe, Asia and North America have around 100 species. Indonesia has 40 species.
In Australia, there are eight indigenous species. Queensland is where you will find most of the native raspberries. They characteristically grow in rainforest and eucalypt woodland. They all have sweet, juicy, edible fruit, high in vitamin C, minerals and fibre.
Description
A notable feature of raspberries is their very prickly stems and leaves. Until recently, there was one notable exception with the Tasmanian species (R. gunnianus) being totally without prickles.
Five years ago, a renowned forager and wild food researcher, Peter Hardwick discovered a thornless native raspberry seedling next to a car park in northern NSW and saved it from certain lawn mowing. Thornless wild raspberry species are unusual and likely a result of random mutation. The variety is being propagated at a local nursery and will be donated to schools.
The Atherton Raspberry (Rubus probus) is a delightful bush tucker fruit that can thrive in our warmer climates, and can be found in the wild throughout tropical, subtropical and warm temperate Queensland.
This species produces bright red berries, slightly larger in size and milder in taste than the more commonly known raspberries.
The Atherton Raspberry typically fruits in Summer and Autumn and has also been known to produce fruit throughout most of the year in some regions.
It is commercially cultivated and sold as a punnet fruit and widely grown as a garden plant.
Native raspberries are easily propagated and easy to grow. They prefer full sun and plenty of water.
Where to see Native Raspberries in Centennial Parklands
Guriwal Bush Tucker Trail, close to Grand Drive.