Habitat
Type: scrub, open woods, especially in hills
Distribution: throughout northern hemisphere
Prefers: partial shade

General
Growth type: canes
Cycle: perennial, 2-year canes
Height: up to 1.8 meters
Other:

Leaf
Shape: pinnate
Arrangement: 3-7 leaflets
Edge: toothed
Other: silvery underside

Stem
Colour: light brown
Texture: woody, small thorns
Other: whip-like, erect or leaning

Flower
Diameter: 9-11mm
Arrangement: clusters
When: April to August
Colour:

Fruit
Shape: round segments
Colour: dull red
Size: 10-20mm
Other: juicy

Thorns on stem

April to August
September to December
July to September

Parts with black and white icons are for non-culinary use

Flavour
Rating and Description:
sweet, fruity, juicy

How to Consume
tea
raw, juice, syrup

Nutrition
Vitamin C, ellagic acid

Used as ...
tea
food, flavouring

Action:
anti-inflammatory, astringent, birthing aid (taken last three months of pregnancy, not earlier), cardiac, decongestant, opthalmic, oxytoxic, stimulant, tonic, tonic for uterus
antiscorbutic, diuretic, refrigerant

May treat:
diarrhoea, menstrual cramps; external: (gargle) tonsillitis, mouth inflammation; (poultice) sores, minor wounds, burns, varicose ulcers, conjunctivitis

paper (after fruiting)
purple to dull blue dye

Collection
check cavity as it sometimes contains maggots

Drying
dry slowly in well ventilated place

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Parts with black and white icons in the availability section are for non-culinary use

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

General Glossary

• pinnate: with series of leaflets on each side of a central stalk

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation of joints, injuries etc. (see also demulcent, emollient)
• antiscorbutic: prevents scurvy, contains Vitamin C
• astringent: causes localised contraction of blood vessels and tissue, reducing the flow of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
• cardiac: has effect on the heart
• decongestant: relieves congestion (see also expectorant and antitussive)
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine
• ellagic acid: an antioxidant which may be beneficial against cancer, heart disease and other medical problems
• ophthalmic: treats eye complaints
• oxytoxic/oxytocic: stimulates the contraction of the uterus aiding childbirth
• refrigerant: produces a feeling of coolness
• stimulant: enlivens physiological functions of the body, without giving a false sense of well-being
• tonic: improves general health, bringing steady improvement