Rubus flagelliflorus Focke

A climbing evergreen shrub, with slender, graceful stems growing 5 or 6 ft in length in one season; when young they are covered with a whitish felt, sprinkled amongst which are tiny decurved prickles. Leaves broadly ovate, long-pointed, the base heart-shaped, the largest are 6 or 7 in. long, and about two-thirds as wide, shallowly lobed on the margins as well as finely and sharply toothed, the upper surface has appressed hairs between the veins, the lower one is covered with a thick, yellowish felt; stalk 11⁄2 to 21⁄2 in. long, slightly spiny. Flowers white, borne in axillary clusters. Fruits shining black, 1⁄2 in. wide, edible.

Native of Central and W. China, up to 6,000 ft; introduced for Messrs Veitch by Wilson about 1901. In habit this is one of the most elegant of the Chinese Rubi, and one of the handsomest in its foliage. When trained up a post or other support, the slender, whip-like shoots push out in all directions. The leaves often put on a marbled appearance in the shade. The appropriate name of R. flagelliformis was rather commonly applied to this plant, but the one given above is correct.