Rubus thibetanus, sometimes known as ghost bramble, is a deciduous species of bramble.
Description Rubus thibetanus grows to tall, with reddish-brown, cylindric branchlets, and sparse prickles. The leaves are pinnately compound and triangular overall, appearing rather fernlike. The flowers are white, emerging in June. In August it bears fruit, which are globular, purplish-black or dark red aggregate fruits ("berries"), in diameter.
Distribution and habitat The species is native to western China, where it is found in Gansu, Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Xizang (Tibet) provinces at altitudes of , usually in dry areas in ravines, thickets, ditches, and on the edges of forests.
The Chinese name may be translated into English as Tibetan dewberry.Flora of China page for Rubus thibetanus (cf. below), as read through Skweezer translate (Chinese to English) In transcribed Chinese, it is called xu zang xuan gou zi.
Uses In cultivation in the UK, Rubus thibetanus has won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
While some sources list the fruit as edible, the Royal Horticultural Society lists it as inedible.
References
External links GBIF entry for Rubus thibetanus