Characteristics, cultivation and properties of Rubus ulmifolius (blackberry)

Berries

Berries

Today we are going to talk about a species of plant that you surely know. It is about the blackberry. Its scientific name is Rubus ulmifolius and it is characterized mainly by having a strong aroma, black color and an acid taste. This fruit can be eaten both alone, as in ice cream, yogurts and in other types of processed foods such as fruit salads, wines, cakes, compotes and other preparations.

In this article we are going to explain all the characteristics, care and uses of the Rubus ulmifolius.

Key features

blackberry fruit

fruit of the blackberry

This plant and its corresponding fruit is not only demanded for its flavor and for the preparation of different processes, but also it is demanded for its quantity of useful properties for health. Among these properties we find the ability to combat diabetes, ulcers and angina, in addition to many other substances that compose it in which it has anticancer effects.

Among the properties it has in the food field, we find a large amount of vitamin A and C, as well as a high potassium content, which makes this fruit a perfect diuretic for the elimination of excess fluids in the body. Consuming blackberry on a frequent basis helps to achieve higher levels decidedly in the body. It also plays a key role in lower calorie diets due to its lack of caloric content.

The appearance of this plant is not very common. It is a dark and shiny berry that is formed by the union of several smaller fruits. Each smaller fruit has a seed inside. This plant belongs to the Rosaceae family and is a shrub that grows naturally in many regions. As for the stems, they usually develop in an upright way, although they extend over the ground as time passes. Normally reach a length up to 4 meters and has white or pink flowers with five petals. Its leaves are deciduous and alternate and form between 3 and 7 oval or elliptical leaflets.

Its roots are quite long although they do not usually grow very deep. The shoots are born easily and can be isolated separately to make another plant grow again. At first, the fruit is green in color, although as it develops and matures it turns reddish tones and, once it reaches full maturity, it obtains the characteristic purple hue.

Rubus ulmifolius wild

Rubus ulmifolius sivestre

This fruit can grow both alone and in clusters. It usually grows between the months of June and August depending on the weather conditions that there is in each moment. When growing wild it depends a lot on the rainfall that has been there. Among the best known blackberry varieties are the common blackberry, the dwarf blackberry, the lack of stubble and blackberries and Logan.

The common blackberry is the one we know by the name of Rubus ulmifolius and it is the best known. The difference it has with respect to other species is due to the time in which it germinates and the taste of its juice. On the other hand, the stubble blackberry is smaller in size and matures a little earlier than the common blackberry. The dwarf blackberry is the one that produces small golden-colored fruits that are used to make various jams and puddings. Although the common blackberry can be confused with another species known as Rubus Loganobaccus the main difference is that this species has the fruits with a more acid taste.

Blackberry benefits

Rubus ilmifolius

Rubus ilmifolius

As we have mentioned before, it is not only the delicious and tangy taste of this fruit that makes it in high demand. A handful of these fruits have multiple health benefits. We are going to list one of the main benefits it has:

  • Helps reduce diarrhea, menstrual cramps and gastroenteritis. This is due to the incorporation of fiber into the body.
  • When we are unwell with fever, a small juice with this fruit helps to refresh and revitalize those who feel the greatest weakness.
  • For those people who already have bothering or inflammation in the gums it can come in quite handy.
  • When the blackberry fruit is ripe It is high in vitamin C. This vitamin helps to improve and prevent colds and constipations.
  • It can serve as an astringent.
  • Eliminates excess fluid retention.
  • Deflames and protects the skin.
  • It is useful for those people who have hemorrhoids to better control intestinal flow.
  • Helps prevent rheumatism.

Cultivation of Rubus Ulmifolius

blackberry leaves

blackberry leaves

Although this plant can mostly be found in its wild form, many people grow it for their own consumption. In order to plant this plant in your garden or orchard, you must have some considerations. First of all is the climate where we are going to plant it. Not all species survive a drought. It only takes advantage of the heat for the beginning of flowering and fruit development. The climate has to be temperate and humid.

You need a soil that is similar to that of a forest. This is, it has to give sufficient support and moisture but at the same time be well drained. It is not very demanding with watering, but you do have to keep it moist all year round. It is very useful to learn to totalize the stems. For this, we must tutor them so that they do not become entangled with each other and in this way their collection is much easier.

The multiplication of the blackberry does not have any difficulty. This is because it can be kept level with the ground relatively easily. Regarding irrigation, it must be constant to maintain the humidity mentioned above but not in high amounts. I have recommended to do a drip irrigation so that the flowering and fruit set are optimal.

I hope that with this information you can know more about the Rubus Ulmifolius.

Characteristics, cultivation and properties of Rubus ulmifolius (blackberry)

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