Overview of Rubus invisus
Rubus invisus, commonly known as the hidden bramble, is a species of bramble that belongs to the Rosacea family. It is a perennial plant originating from the Himalayan region of India. The plant is typically found growing in open, rocky areas, and can also be found growing near streams and rivers.
Appearance
The plant has small green leaves that are serrated along the edges, with a slightly prickly texture. It produces a cluster of small, purple, and reddish-black fruits that are edible and have a sweet flavor. The plant can grow up to 3 meters tall and is recognizable by its long, slender stems and prickly thorns.
Uses
The fruit of Rubus invisus is edible and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including coughs, colds, and throat infections. The plant also has antipyretic and analgesic properties and is used to treat fever and pain. The leaves of the plant are used to make a tea that has diuretic properties and is used to treat hypertension and kidney problems. In addition to its medicinal properties, Rubus invisus is also used in landscaping and is grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Light Requirements
Rubus invisus typically needs moderate to bright sunlight to grow. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. During its growth phase, it can tolerate some degree of shade, but low light may result in slow growth and reduced fruit yield.
Temperature Needs
Rubus invisus is native to tropical and subtropical regions and requires warm temperatures to thrive. It prefers temperatures between 22-28°C (72-82°F) during the day and around 18°C (64°F) at night. Temperatures below 10°C (50°F) can harm the plant, and frost can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil's pH should ideally be between 5.5 and 6.5. Rubus invisus is sensitive to waterlogged soils, which can lead to root rot and ultimately destroy the plant. It can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils and needs regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods
Rubus invisus, also known as the "Elusive Blackberry," is a rare plant species that grows in well-draining soil, preferably enriched with organic matter. It requires a full sun exposure and moderately moist conditions, but it can tolerate dry periods once established.
If grown in a container, the plant needs a minimum size of 5-gallon, and a well-draining soil mix composed of peat moss, perlite and sand. A slightly acidic soil pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 provides optimal growing conditions for the Elusive Blackberry.
Watering Needs
The Rubus invisus plant has moderate watering needs, and the frequency and amount of water depend on growing conditions and climate. The plant's root should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged to avoid root rot. A layer of mulch around the plant helps to retain soil moisture and control weed growth.
Young plants need more frequent watering, at least once a week, while mature plants need watering once every two weeks or when the soil is dry to an inch deep. During rainy periods, reduce the frequency of watering to prevent overwatering.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize a Rubus invisus plant is in the early spring before new growth appears. The plant needs a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12, applied according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive vegetative growth and poor fruit production. The Elusive Blackberry requires periodic soil testing to determine the soil's nutrient levels and adjust the fertilization rate accordingly.
Pruning
Pruning a Rubus invisus plant is crucial for maintaining its health and improving fruit production. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
Remove the damaged, diseased or dead canes, cutting them just above the soil level. Also, remove the old stems, leaving only the one-year-old stems that produce fruit. This stimulates new growth and improves plant productivity.
Trim the remaining stems to a height of approximately four feet, and train them along a trellis or fence to maintain the plant's shape and make it easier to harvest the fruit.
Propagation of Rubus Invisus
Rubus Invisus, also known as the hidden raspberry, can be propagated by various methods including seed propagation, stem cutting, division, and layering.
Seed Propagation
Rubus invisus can be propagated by seeds, which are obtained from the fruit. The seeds should be cleaned and dried before planting. They should be planted in a well-draining soil mix in flats or pots, and covered with a thin layer of soil. The seeds should be kept moist and warm until they germinate in 2-3 weeks. The young seedlings can be transplanted to individual pots or directly to the garden after they have developed a strong root system and reached a height of 2-3 inches.
Stem Cutting
Stem cuttings can be taken during the dormant season, preferably in late fall or early winter. The cuttings should be around 6 inches long with 2-3 nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The cuttings should be covered with a plastic bag and placed in a warm, brightly lit area. They should be kept moist and roots should develop in 6-8 weeks.
Division
Rubus invisus can also be propagated by division. Mature plants are lifted and divided into smaller sections, each with a healthy root system. The divided sections are then planted in a well-draining soil mix, and kept moist until they are established.
Layering
Layering is another propagation method that can be used to propagate Rubus invisus. The stem of a healthy plant is bent gently towards the ground, and a shallow trench is dug in the soil underneath. The stem is then buried in the soil and held in place with a wire, leaving the tip exposed. The buried section of the stem will develop roots in a few weeks, and can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new site.
Disease Management
One of the common diseases affecting the Rubus invisus plant is the Anthracnose disease, which is a fungal infection that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits. To manage this disease, it is recommended to prune any infected plant parts and destroy them. Applying fungicides such as copper-based ones can also help control the spread of the disease.
Another disease that can affect the Rubus invisus plant is the Powdery Mildew disease, which causes white, powdery spots on the leaves and stems. To manage this disease, it is advised to increase air circulation around the plant by pruning and thinning out the branches. Applying sulfur-based fungicides can also help control the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
The most common pest that can affect the Rubus invisus plant is the Raspberry Beetle, which causes damage to the fruits. To manage this pest, it is suggested to use pheromone traps to attract and trap them. Alternatively, spraying insecticides such as pyrethrin-based ones can also help control the pest.
Spider mites can also affect the Rubus invisus plant and cause yellowing and spotting on the leaves. To manage this pest, it is advised to increase humidity around the plant by misting the leaves regularly. Introducing natural predators such as ladybugs can also help control the spread of these mites.
