Rubus ulmifolius aka Elmleaf Blackberry
Taxonomy
Rubus ulmifolius, also known as elmleaf blackberry or thornless blackberry, is a species of wild blackberry native to Western Europe and North Africa. It has become naturalized in parts of the United States (especially California), Australia, and southern South America. The plant is a semi-deciduous, prickly shrub with straight to curved thorns on the angles of the long canes, pink flowers, and red to black berry fruit. It is a member of the Rubus L. genus and Rosaceae family. Elmleaf blackberry is also known as Himalaya blackberry, Himalayan giant blackberry, zarza, zarzamora, Elm-Leaved Bramble, Bramble, and Burbank's thornless blackberry.
Elmleaf blackberry is an invasive species that colonizes natural and semi-natural ecosystems, competing with and displacing native plant species and negatively impacting native fauna. It is a problem in parts of Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
In addition to being a wild plant, elmleaf blackberry is also a rare houseplant that requires regular watering to thrive. It prefers long-lasting, direct light and well-draining soil. Repotting each time it doubles in size should provide sufficient nutrients for the plant, without the need for added fertilizers.
Common names
Elmleaf Blackberry, Common Bramble, Elm Leaf Blackberry, Thornless Blackberry, ZarzamoraHow to care for Elmleaf Blackberry
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Elmleaf Blackberry, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Elmleaf Blackberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Elmleaf Blackberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Elmleaf Blackberry prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Elmleaf Blackberry plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Fertilizer
Once the Elmleaf Blackberry has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Rubus Genus
Rubus arcticus Arctic Bramble
Rubus chamaemorus Cloudberry
Rubus nemoralis Boreal Bramble
Rubus thibetanus Ghost Bramble
Rubus parvifolius Japanese Raspberry
Rubus cissoides Bush Lawyer
Rubus vestitus European Blackberry
Rubus caesius European Dewberry
