Exploring the Morphology of Common Raspberry(Rubus idaeus, Rosaceae): A Delectable Shrub
Channel: KOMPENDIUM NATURA
Date: 2023-07-17

Join us on an exploration of the enchanting Common Raspberry (Rubus idaeus, Rosaceae). Discover the captivating features of this shrub, reaching a height of fifty to one hundred twenty centimeters, with its numerous woody stems that stand upright or gracefully arch. Observe the delicate prickles adorning the stems, and immerse yourself in the beauty of its compound leaves, displaying a white downy underside and vibrant green upper surface. Delve into the intricacy of its three to five ovate and wrinkled leaflets, accompanied by narrow lanceolate bracts. Witness the alluring presence of its five-petaled, white or pinkish flowers, arranged in loose, racemose-paniculate inflorescences. Explore the unique structure of its "berries," the red aggregate fruits effortlessly separating from the conical receptacle, comprised of numerous hairy drupelets. 

Common Raspberry thrives in a variety of habitats, including thickets, forests, edges, clearings, and stony slopes, particularly favoring moist, fertile, and nitrogen-rich soils. Its distribution spans across Europe, with abundance in lowland areas and mountains in Poland, even reaching the subalpine zone and elevations of up to 1780 meters in the Tatra Mountains. Additionally, this captivating plant is frequently cultivated.

Witness the blooming spectacle of Common Raspberry, predominantly occurring in May and June, and marvel at the possibility of extended flowering periods.

As summer arrives, experience the delight of ripened raspberries, eagerly sought after for their exquisite taste. Explore the historical significance of raspberries as a source of sustenance dating back to the Stone Age. Discover the best practices for collecting wild raspberry fruits, emphasizing the importance of picking fully ripe specimens for immediate consumption, as they are not suitable for long-term storage. Dive into the culinary possibilities of raspberries, ranging from syrups and juices to delectable treats like crumbles, fruit wines, jams, and ice creams. Uncover the nutritional value of raspberries, rich in citric acid, other organic acids, vitamin C, and an array of soluble carbohydrates that contribute to their remarkable composition.

Explore the realm of herbal medicine, where both the fruits and young leaves of raspberries hold significant importance, enhancing the taste of numerous medicinal syrups.