Ribes himalense

Ribes himalense is a deciduous shrub in the Grossulariaceae family. Its native range runs from northeastern Pakistan to central China. It also occurs in India, Nepal, and Bhutan. This plant grows in temperate parts of Asia. It reaches about 6.6 feet [2 metres] in height. The RHS lists Ribes emodense as a synonym. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In the wild, it grows in several kinds of forest. These include mixed woods, conifer woods, and broad-leaved woods. It also grows along forest edges and in mountain thickets. Other sites include river banks, ravines, grasslands, and roadsides. These habitats extend across mountain slopes and valleys. In gardens, it suits woodland edges and sites with dappled shade. It can also grow in open sun.

Flowers appear from April to June. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. The fruit starts red and turns purple-black as it matures. Each fruit measures about 0.02 feet [0.007 metres] across. The seeds are large in relation to the fruit. They ripen from August to September. People can eat the fruit fresh or cook it. PFAF gives its food value three out of five.

Grow this shrub in moist soil that drains well. A loam of at least fair quality suits it. It also accepts sandy and clay soils. It tolerates mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline conditions. Shade does not prevent growth, but it reduces the fruit crop. PFAF describes the plant as easy to grow. It reports cold tolerance to about −20°C and USDA zones 5–9. The shrub can host white pine blister rust. Avoid planting it near pine trees for that reason.

Fresh seed is best sown in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed needs four to five months of cold treatment. Young seedlings need a cold frame through their first winter. Half-ripe cuttings offer another way to raise plants in summer. PFAF records traditional uses for the leaves. These include leaf juice for diarrhoea and dysentery. Leaf paste has also served as a dressing for wounds. These records do not establish medical safety or benefit. PFAF lists no known hazards for this species.