Rubus subinermoides – Series Rhamnifolii

 back to Alphabetical index · Taxonomic index

This early-flowering bramble is commonest in south-east England, but is also found in south Wales, western Scotland and Ireland. It has distinctive large panicles of creamy-white flowers. The petals are curled inwards, giving the flower a cupped appearance. The other key characters are the non-glandular hairy stems, the almost unarmed flowering branches and the very large convex leaflets.

subinermoides subinermoides

Note the lack of prickles on the branches of the inflorescence.

subinermoides

The yellowish hint of the petals is probably unique amongst the brambles, though is difficult to see in bright sunshine (or with flash photography).

subinermoides

Flowers are about 2-2.5cm in diameter. The stamens are slightly longer than the yellowish-green styles.

subinermoides subinermoides

Leaves can have 3, 4 or 5 rather matt-looking, distinctly convex leaflets, which can sometimes become very large (e.g. 20cm long or more).

subinermoides subinermoides subinermoides

As with most species in the Rhamnifolii the leaflets are grey-felted below, though this is less obvious on plants growing in the shade.

subinermoides

Stems are thinly to densely pubescent with numerous sessile glands but no stalked glands. They are bluntly angled and can be distinctly furrowed. They turn pale brown in the sun.

subinermoides subinermoides