| Rubus nessensis | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rubus |
| Species: | R. nessensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Rubus nessensis Hall | |
Rubus nessensis is a species of bramble native to Northwestern Europe, including Great Britain and Ireland. Two subspecies are recognized: R. n. nessensis and R. n. cubirianus. [1]
Rubus nessensis is an erect, arching shrub growing to a height of 2 (rarely 3) metres. In its more usual shaded habitat, its stem is green; plants exposed to more light have brownish stems. Purple, conical prickles are numerous on the stem. Leaves bear 5 to 7 leaflets, the terminal leaflet being around 10 cm long, among the largest in the genus. The fruit is dark red, thus distinguishing Rubus nessensis from other members of Rubus subgenus Rubus , except Rubus scissus , which lacks the conical prickles. [2]
Rubus nessensis is found in riverside woodland, where it can dominate the ground flora. It occurs widely across Northwestern and Middle Europe. In Great Britain it has a broad distribution, with strongholds along the south coast, in South Wales, and in Argyll. Most Irish records are from the eastern half of the country. [2]