Raspberries are from the genus Rubus and Australia has a number of native species that are widely used as bush tucker plants. Nearly all species will require humus rich soil and good moisture to grow and fruit well. All need a sunny position.
These native varieties have a different growth habit to other raspberries, more of a scrambling shrub than the traditional canes.
Native Raspberry Varieties
Their are a number of species which all have sweet red fruit. These plants are not as prolific as the raspberries grown for commerce, however they all have their own unique appeal and are not difficult to grow.
- Rubus moluccanus – Small fruit on a scrambling climber. From the sub tropics.
- Rubus parvifolius – Low growing prostrate form with small fruit.
- Rubus rosifolius – Commonly called the ‘West Indian Raspberry’ however it grows widely Queensland.
- Rubus probus – This is the Atherton Raspberry, although it is originally from the sub tropics you can grow them in cooler climates as long as they have warmth and humus rich moist soil. Milder tasting than normal raspberries.
All are prickly except for one Tasmanian variety R. gunnianus, and are generally found along river banks and in rainforest areas.
Yes you can grow these in the home garden. And a number of varieties are available for sale.
Available for sale from the following nurseries
146 Dignams Crk Rd via Narooma NSW 2546
Tubestock - [50mm forestry tubes and 70mm supertubes] specializing in Bush Tucker Plants , Natives indigenous to the NSW South Coast , Permaculture Plants - Fruits, Nuts & Berries .
www.southcoastflora.com.au