Rubus biformispinus, the pasture dewberry,[1] is an uncommon North American species of flowering plant in the rose family. It is found in eastern and central Canada (from Ontario to Nova Scotia) and the northeastern United States (Maine, New York, Pennsylvania).[2][3][4]

Rubus biformispinus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus
Species:
R. biformispinus
Binomial name
Rubus biformispinus
Blanch. 1906

The epithet biformispinus means "with spines of two shapes," referring to the two distinct sizes of prickles on the stems.[3]

The genetics of Rubus is extremely complex, so that it is difficult to decide on which groups should be recognized as species. There are many rare species with limited ranges such as this. Further study is suggested to clarify the taxonomy.[5] Some studies have suggested that R. biformispinus may have originated as a hybrid between R. setosus and R. flagellaris. [6]

References edit

  1. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rubus biformispinus". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 24 October 2015.
  2. ^ Biota of North America Program 2014 county distribution map
  3. ^ a b Blanchard, William Henry. 1906. Rhodora 8(93): 178–179
  4. ^ The Plant List, Rubus biformispinus Blanch.
  5. ^ Flora of North America, Rubus Linnaeus, 1754. Bramble
  6. ^ Flora of North America, Rubus setosus Bigelow, 1824. Bristly blackberry, ronce sétuleuse