Rubus

Post by **MWP admin** » Mon Oct 20, 2008 8:02 pm

There are rumours (?) that we have 2 species of Rubus, the common R. ulmifolius Schott and another which should correspons to R. caesius L. according to Haslam et al. (1977). The former is described to like valleys and damp conditions while the latter prefers rocky habitat.

I found a specimen of Rubus spp. indet. in the top part of a valley side, some 30m-40m above the valley bed, which was exposed to full sunshine and do not think it can be described damp.

Flora europae (Tutin et al, 1980) differs the 2 from the leaves, where R. caesius have 3 leaflets, while the common R. ulmifolius 3-7 (usually 5). Another difference lies in the number of drupes.

Your discussion to put a bit of light upon the situation is welcomed

IL-PINE · Post by **IL-PINE** » Tue Oct 21, 2008 8:35 pm

well I remember Sdravko saying that R. caesius leaves more 'soft' and less spiny than the R. ulmifolius. well, R.caesius was more commonly reported from Gozo, so it might be still found there.