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Rubus ellipticus
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Rubus ellipticus
Himalayan raspberry (Ainselu) fruit at Shivapuri National Park, Nepal
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus
Subgenus: Rubus subg. Idaeobatus
Species:
R. ellipticus
Binomial name
Rubus ellipticus
Varieties[1]
  • Rubus ellipticus var. ellipticus
  • Rubus ellipticus var. obcordatus (Franch.) Focke
Synonyms
Species[1]
  • Rubus tereticaulis subsp. ellipticus (Kupcsok) Domin
var. ellipticus[2]
  • Rubus ellipticus subsp. acheniger Focke
  • Rubus ellipticus f. acuminatus Franch.
  • Rubus ellipticus var. acutifolius Kuntze
  • Rubus ellipticus var. denudatus Hook.f.
  • Rubus ellipticus var. depilis Focke
  • Rubus ellipticus var. flavus (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don) Kuntze
  • Rubus ellipticus var. glabrifolius Kuntze
  • Rubus ellipticus var. incisus Kuntze
  • Rubus ellipticus var. insulanus Focke
  • Rubus flavus Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don
  • Rubus gowreephul Roxb., not validly publ.
  • Rubus paniculatus Moon, not validly publ.
  • Rubus sessilifolius Miq. ex Hook.f.
var. obcordatus[3]
  • Rubus ellipticus f. obcordatus Franch.
  • Rubus obcordatus (Franch.) Thuan

Rubus ellipticus, commonly known as ainselu,[4] golden evergreen raspberry,[5] golden Himalayan raspberry, or yellow Himalayan raspberry,[6] is an Asian species of thorny fruiting shrub in the rose family. Its native range stretches from the Indian subcontinent (Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan) to southern China and Indochina and the Philippines.[7]

Description

[edit]
Ainselu (Golden Himalayan Raspberry) from Nepal
Ainselu (Golden Himalayan Raspberry) from Nepal

The golden Himalayan raspberry is a large shrub with stout stems or canes that can grow to up to 4.5 metres (15 ft) in length. Its leaves are trifoliate, being composed of three elliptic or obovate leaflets typically growing to between 5 and 10 cm in length. The leaves are green, with the underside being lighter in colouration, and the leaf surface is covered in downy hairs. Its flowers small and are composed of five white petals, with the flowers being arranged in clusters of multiple flowers. In the Himalayas, it typically blooms between the months of February and April,[7] whilst on the slopes of Mount Gede located on the western side of the island of Java in Indonesia, it can flower every three months, but its peak season is on April.[8]: 194–195  Its fruit are sweet, detachable, and highly sought after by birds and elephants.[9][10][11][12]

Rubus ellipticus is sweet to the taste, though it is not commonly harvested for domestic use.[13] The fruit perishes quickly after plucking from the thorny bush.

Taxonomy

[edit]

It was first published and described by James Edward Smith in (A.Rees edited), Cycl. 30: n.° 16 in 1815.[7][1]

Etymology

[edit]

The fruit has various names in South-Asian languages. It is called ainselu (Nepali: ऐँसेलु) in Nepali, hisalu (Kumaoni: हिसालु) in Kumaoni, hisol (Garhwali: हिसोल) in Garhwali, nyinch (Nyishi: निंच) in Nyishi, and sohshiah (Khasi: सोहशियाह) in Khasi language.in Monpa "Sher-Gong"

Distribution and habitat

[edit]

The golden Himalayan raspberry's origin is in the temperate Himalayas region, and is native to India, Pakistan, Nepal, southern China, Assam, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tibet and Vietnam.[1]

It is found as a weed in open grasslands and rarely in forests of Himalayan states of India, e.g., Himachal and Uttarakhand, in their higher reaches at an attitude of 1,500 to 2,100 m (4,900 to 6,900 ft).[14] It is often found in pine forests of the region.[15]

The golden Himalayan raspberry can be found in mesic or wet forests, and has adapted to be able to live in complete shade and in full sun exposure.[11]

Ecology

[edit]

As with other Rubus species, its seeds are readily distributed by birds.[16] It can propagate, or asexually reproduce, itself through cutting.[17] It can grow in open fields or in canopies of moist forests.

The Himalayan raspberry can support large populations of Drosophila, or fruit flies, from its rotting fruit.[10] The fruit is consumed by Asian elephants.[18]

Invasiveness

[edit]
Rubus ellipticus flowers and leaves
Prickly stem of R. ellipticus

Rubus ellipticus is listed in the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group database as an Invasive species, one of the world's 100 worst invasive species.[10] It has been introduced into; Ecuador, Jamaica, Java, Malawi, Mozambique, New South Wales, Queensland (both in Australia) and Tanzania.[1] It was first introduced in 1961 in Hawaii as an edible fruit and as an ornamental plant.[11]

The yellow Himalayan raspberry poses a threat to native communities because it forms thick, impenetrable thickets, and competes with the native Rubus hawaiensis (Hawaiian raspberry).[10][13] Abandoned farms and lands disturbed by feral pig populations are susceptible to invasion. It grows tall due to its stout stems which is a threat because of its ability to establish itself within the tree canopy.[12] The yellow Himalayan raspberry is a threat to native flora because it can outcompete other plants. More specifically, it has higher photosynthetic rates, higher nitrogen fixation rates, and therefore a higher photosynthetic nitrogen use efficiency (or PNUE).[17]

The yellow Himalayan raspberry is currently[when?] invasive only on Hawaii.[12] It is considered a noxious weed by the National Park Service and the Hawaiian Department of Agriculture.[16]

Control strategies

[edit]

Due to its limited range, the golden Himalayan raspberry has been contained to a few stations on Hawaii. Any new populations are to be eliminated as quickly as possible.[16] Control practices at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park have shown that simply identifying and removing the shrub can help dramatically reduce its invasive impact.[19]

To eliminate a yellow Himalayan raspberry shrub, its root systems must be pulled out. The shrub shoots out roots deep underground after a fire or cutting. Fire can be applied to the roots if the shrub has been removed by physical means. Herbicides, such as glyphosate, can be used in containing the shrub.[11]

Uses

[edit]

Nepali farmers have had limited success in harvesting and fermenting the aiselu fruit to produce a fruit wine.[20] In Sikkim, its roots are used to treat stomach pain and headaches, and its fruits are used to treat indigestion.[21]

The bark from this plant is used for medical reasons in Tibetan villages, mainly as a renal tonic and an antidiuretic.[13] Its juices can be used to treat coughs, fevers, colic and sore throat.[5] The plant can be used to make a bluish-purple dye.[13]

The fruits of golden Himalayan raspberry was recorded as rich source of phenolics, Beta carotenes, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), many other important metabolites and antioxidants.[22] The leaves contain various helpful properties as well.[23] The fruit extracts of R. ellipticus contain antimicrobial properties (Ding et al. 2008).[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rubus ellipticus

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rubus ellipticus, commonly known as the yellow Himalayan raspberry or golden evergreen raspberry, is a thorny, semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub in the rose family (Rosaceae), growing 1–3 meters tall with purplish-brown, pubescent stems armed with prickles, trifoliate leaves that are elliptic to ovate and serrated, white to pale pink hermaphroditic flowers blooming from March to April, and edible, subglobose aggregate fruits that ripen to golden yellow in April to May, typically weighing around 0.4–0.6 grams each. Native to the subtropical and tropical regions of the , southern , and , including the Himalayan foothills from through (such as , , and ), , , , , , , the , and , R. ellipticus thrives in moist, broadleaf forests, hillsides, roadsides, and thickets at elevations of 300–2,600 meters, tolerating high annual rainfall of 2,000–6,500 mm and forming dense thickets through via rooting canes and by birds. The plant has been introduced and naturalized in various non-native regions, including (where it is invasive in forests on Kauaʻi, , and Hawaiʻi islands, listed among the IUCN's 100 worst invasive alien species), (coastal regions since 1912), the , ( since the 2010s), outcompeting native vegetation and reducing due to its aggressive growth and lack of natural controls. In its native range, R. ellipticus holds significant ethnomedicinal value in traditional systems like Tibetan and Ayurvedic medicine, where fruits are consumed for coughs, fever, and digestive aid; roots and shoots serve as renal tonics, anti-diuretics, and treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, , respiratory ailments, wounds, and infections; and leaves and twigs address , , and antifertility needs, supported by bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, (e.g., , ), phenolic acids (e.g., , ), , terpenoids, and ascorbic acid (19.8 mg/100 g in fruits). Nutritionally, the fruits are rich in carbohydrates (86.4% dry weight), proteins (4.37%), fiber (2.35%), calcium (450.1 mg/100 g), and potassium (680.16 mg/100 g), making them a valued wild edible; pharmacologically, extracts demonstrate antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 29–32.8 µg/mL), antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, antipyretic, and anticonvulsant properties, highlighting its potential as a nutraceutical and therapeutic agent.

Taxonomy

Classification

Rubus ellipticus is a species in the genus Rubus, formally described by the British botanist James Edward Smith in 1815 in volume 30 of Abraham Rees's Cyclopaedia. The species belongs to the taxonomic hierarchy: Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: , Family: , Genus: , Subgenus: Idaeobatus, Section: Idaeanthi, Series: Elliptici. Several synonyms have been recognized for R. ellipticus, including Rubus flavus Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don and Rubus gowreephul Roxb., reflecting historical naming variations based on regional collections. Two varieties are distinguished: the typical var. ellipticus and var. obcordatus (Franch.) Focke, the latter characterized by obcordate leaflets. Within the highly diverse Rubus, which encompasses over 700 worldwide, R. ellipticus is affiliated with the predominantly Asian Idaeobatus, highlighting its evolutionary ties to East Asian lineages.

The name Rubus originates from the Latin term for bramble, derived from ruber, meaning red, alluding to the reddish hues often seen in the stems or fruits of within the . The specific epithet ellipticus refers to the elliptic shape of the plant's leaflets, a key morphological characteristic. Rubus ellipticus was first formally described by the British botanist James Edward Smith in 1815, published in volume 30 of Abraham Rees's Cyclopaedia, under the entry for no. 16. Across its native regions, R. ellipticus bears diverse vernacular names reflecting local languages and cultural contexts. In , it is known as ainselu. In , regional names include hisalu in Kumaoni dialects of , hisol in Garhwali of the same state, nyinch among the of , and sohshiah in the of . In English, it is widely called yellow Himalayan raspberry. These names vary further in the and , such as bunut or kokobod in Tagalog of the , highlighting linguistic adaptations tied to the plant's traditional use as an edible fruit.

Description

Morphology

Rubus ellipticus is a robust, , scandent growing to 2–4.5 m tall, characterized by arching, thorny canes that enable it to climb or scramble. The stems consist of stout, terete canes that are reddish-brown, villous, and densely armed with stiff, straight prickles up to 5 mm long, often mixed with reddish bristles and downy hairs. New growth is greenish and pubescent with purplish-brown glandular hairs, maturing to woody and brown. Leaves are alternate and trifoliate, with elliptic to obovate leaflets measuring 10–19 cm long and 7–13 cm wide, featuring minutely serrate margins, a dark greyish-green upper surface, and a pale, tomentose underside. The terminal leaflet is the largest, with a petiolule 2.5–4 cm long, while the petiole and rachis bear hooked prickles and bristles. Flowers are small, white to pink, with a of approximately 2 cm, borne in terminal panicles or dense racemes 5–15 cm long. Petals are spatulate and twice as long as the leathery, bristly sepals, with an average of about 12 flowers per . The fruits are aggregate drupes composed of pubescent, golden-yellow to orange drupelets forming subglobose berries about 0.8–1.2 cm in diameter, which are sweet, juicy, easily detachable from the receptacle, and enclosed by a persistent calyx. Individual fruits typically weigh around 0.4–0.6 g. The is strong and extensive, consisting of fibrous roots that produce suckers, facilitating vegetative spread and regeneration.

_Rubus ellipticus exhibits a distinct reproductive in its native Himalayan range, with flowering typically occurring from March to . This period is influenced by rising spring temperatures and lengthening daylight hours, which trigger the development of bisexual or flowers in terminal panicles. Fruit maturation follows shortly after, from to May, during which the aggregate drupelets ripen sequentially from green to golden-yellow, forming subglobose fruits approximately 1 cm in . The plant follows a biennial cane growth pattern characteristic of many species, where primocanes emerge in the first year as vegetative shoots focused on and stem development without production, while second-year floricanes bear flowers and fruits before senescing. In subtropical zones of its range, R. ellipticus displays evergreen to semi-evergreen tendencies, retaining foliage year-round with minimal leaf drop, though it may exhibit partial behavior in cooler microclimates. New cane growth often resumes vigorously after the season, supporting rapid vegetative expansion in moist conditions. Phenological events in R. ellipticus vary with environmental factors, particularly altitude, across its native distribution from 300 to 2600 m in the ; higher elevations generally delay flowering and fruiting due to shorter growing seasons and lower temperatures.

Distribution and habitat

Native distribution

Rubus ellipticus is native to subtropical to temperate regions of the and extending into , with its core range spanning from through (including to , , , and ), , , , and into southern (particularly and provinces), , , , , and the . This distribution encompasses the East Himalaya and parts of the to South-Central and Indo-China. The species primarily occurs at elevations between 300 and 2,600 meters above , though records indicate occurrences from subtropical lowlands to montane zones in the Himalayan . Stable populations have been noted in subtropical and temperate forests across this range since 19th-century botanical explorations, such as those documented in early Himalayan floras. Genetic variation in R. ellipticus shows subtle regional differences, particularly in morphological traits like size, with studies from Indian Himalayan populations (e.g., ) reporting larger average fruit weights in certain genotypes compared to other areas. These variations highlight to local conditions within its native range. The plant thrives in subtropical to zones influenced by patterns, particularly in the Himalayan region where seasonal rainfall supports its growth in moist environments.

Habitat requirements

Rubus ellipticus thrives in well-drained loamy soils that are organically rich, with a pH range of mildly acidic to neutral (approximately 5.5–7.0), though it can tolerate slightly alkaline conditions and substrates such as rocky or sandy areas. It prefers s that retain moderate moisture without becoming waterlogged, enabling growth on both dry slopes and more humid sites. This adaptability to varied textures, including sandy and clayey types, supports its establishment in infertile or disturbed terrains common in montane regions. The favors moist, semi-shaded understories within forests, as well as edges of and open disturbed areas, where it receives partial or dappled shade. It performs well in light woodland conditions or full sun in open habitats, contributing to its role as a pioneer plant in . In its native Himalayan range, it commonly occurs at elevations of 300–2,600 m, often in shrubberies, thickets, and sparse forests along hillsides and valleys. Climatically, R. ellipticus is suited to temperate to subtropical montane environments with annual rainfall between 2,000–6,500 mm, predominantly during the monsoon season, and mean temperatures ranging from 5–25°C, though it experiences extremes up to 38°C in summer. It shows tolerance to light frosts but may be sensitive to severe winter cold at higher elevations above 2,300 m. The plant co-occurs with dominant trees such as Quercus (e.g., Q. leucotrichophora, Banj oak), Pinus roxburghii (Chir pine), and Rhododendron arboreum in mixed oak-pine forests of the lower Himalayas. As a semi-evergreen , R. ellipticus is adapted to semi-shaded, humid post-monsoon conditions, forming dense thickets that aid in and on slopes. Its ability to resprout after disturbance and tolerate variable light levels enhances its persistence in dynamic edges and recovering habitats.

Ecology

Reproduction and dispersal

Rubus ellipticus exhibits both sexual and , contributing to its persistence and spread in natural and cultivated settings. The flowers are hermaphroditic and self-compatible, enabling high fruit set rates of up to 96.66% through , with pollinators facilitating cross-pollination for optimal seed production. Each contains numerous small seeds, supporting prolific seed output. Asexual reproduction occurs primarily through vegetative means, including root suckers that emerge from the perennial and stem layering, where flexible canes root upon contact with soil. Tip-rooting of primocanes further aids clonal propagation, allowing new plants to establish rapidly from existing stems. These methods enable regeneration after disturbance, such as or cutting, from underground shoots. Seeds of R. ellipticus demonstrate high viability and require cold stratification for one month at approximately 3°C to break and improve . Untreated fresh seeds show lower rates around 2-3%, but those from the persistent achieve up to 25% , indicating long-term viability in the environment. Dispersal is predominantly via zoochory, with frugivorous birds such as consuming the sweet, orange-yellow fruits and excreting viable seeds, facilitating long-distance spread. Mammals also contribute by ingesting fruits, though to a lesser extent; some hydrochory occurs in streamside habitats where fruits or seeds may float short distances. In cultivation, R. ellipticus propagates easily from half-ripe wood cuttings in a frame or through tip layering in late summer, rooting readily without hormones and supporting commercial or ornamental use.

Biotic interactions

_Rubus ellipticus exhibits a generalist pollination syndrome, characterized by hermaphroditic white flowers that attract a variety of insects for pollination. The shrub serves as a food source for several herbivores in its native Himalayan range. Asian elephants consume the sweet, detachable fruits, contributing to seed dispersal through their foraging activities. Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) include R. ellipticus leaves and fruits in their diet, with the plant comprising a notable portion of their forage in Himalayan foothills. Similarly, rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) feed on the fruits and foliage, integrating the shrub into their ecological interactions within forested habitats. Rotting fruits also host fruit flies, such as cosmopolitan Drosophila species, which breed on the decaying pulp. As an in regions like , R. ellipticus competes aggressively with native plants in forests, forming impenetrable thickets that reduce light availability and deplete soil nutrients, thereby displacing species such as the endemic Hawaiian raspberry (Rubus hawaiiensis). R. ellipticus forms symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, facilitating biological through demonstrable activity, which enhances its nutrient acquisition in nutrient-poor soils. The plant is vulnerable to several pathogens, particularly in dense populations. It serves as a host for necrotic ringspot virus (PNRSV), an ilarvirus that induces mild , chlorotic spots, and necrotic rings on leaves, with the detectable in pollen and fruits. An unidentified causing symptoms has also been reported in R. ellipticus from Jammu and Kashmir, marking one of the few characterized viral infections in the species. Fungal diseases, including those from genera like , , and Uredo, affect species broadly, with potential impacts on R. ellipticus in humid, crowded stands.

Invasiveness

Invasive status

Rubus ellipticus is recognized globally as a significant , particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where it poses a high risk of establishment and spread. It is listed among the 100 of the world's worst invasive alien species by the IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group due to its aggressive growth and ecological disruption potential. The plant's invasiveness is most pronounced outside its native range in southern , with documented invasions in areas such as , , , , and parts of southern USA. The species was first introduced to in 1961 through ornamental and edible fruit trade at the Volcano Agricultural Experiment Station, from where it escaped cultivation and rapidly naturalized. Introductions to southern occurred similarly via horticultural purposes, leading to naturalization in disturbed habitats. In Pacific islands, particularly , it has become widespread. Spread of R. ellipticus is facilitated by bird and dispersal of its seeds via ingested fruits, enabling long-distance colonization, alongside prolific vegetative propagation through root suckers that allow rapid local expansion. This dual reproductive strategy enables the formation of dense, impenetrable thickets in invaded areas, with individual plants capable of covering extensive ground through arching canes and layering. Ecologically, R. ellipticus outcompetes native vegetation, notably displacing the endemic Hawaiian raspberry Rubus hawaiiensis in forest understories by smothering seedlings and dominating light resources. It alters soil nutrient conditions, potentially favoring further invasion while disadvantaging adapted to original nutrient profiles, and contributes to in forests and grasslands by creating monoculture-like stands that reduce habitat suitability for local flora and fauna. In , it is now widespread in the 'Ōla'a Forest Tract, covering disturbed wet forests and posing persistent threats to native ecosystems.

Control measures

Mechanical control of Rubus ellipticus primarily involves hand-pulling or digging out small seedlings and young , which can be effective for early-stage infestations but is labor-intensive due to the plant's thorny nature and dense growth. For larger , cutting the canes close to the ground—typically to 3 inches above the surface—exposes the and reduces , though complete removal of root crowns is recommended to minimize resprouting from remaining fragments. Protective gear, such as heavy-duty gloves and long sleeves, is essential during these operations to avoid from thorns. Chemical control relies on targeted herbicide applications to achieve higher efficacy rates, particularly through cut-stump treatments where freshly cut stems are immediately painted with solutions like (e.g., Garlon 4 at 50% concentration in water) or (e.g., Tordon 22K at 20% concentration), resulting in 75-90% plant mortality and minimal resprouting after 12 months. Foliar sprays of or can also be applied to actively growing foliage, with cut-stump methods preferred in sensitive areas to limit off-target effects; applications should occur on clear days for optimal absorption. has shown promise as an alternative for cut-stump use, though all herbicide applications require adherence to instructions and environmental safeguards. Biological control efforts for R. ellipticus are still in the research phase, with no agents widely implemented as of 2025, focusing on classical introduction of host-specific natural enemies from its native Asian range. Ongoing , such as a CABI project surveying and fungal agents from the native Himalayan region, continues to evaluate candidates for classical biological control. Promising candidates include oligophagous such as warty beetles (Chlamisus setosus and related species) and beetles (Chaetocnema spp.), which cause significant defoliation and stem damage in preliminary host-range tests limited to species, as well as fungal pathogens like the Phragmidium orientale, which is monophagous on this plant. Additional agents under evaluation include leaf-rolling moths (Epinotia spp.) and stem borers (), surveyed from 2006-2010 in , but further specificity testing and risk assessments are needed before release. Integrated approaches combine mechanical and chemical methods for more , such as initial cutting followed by treatment on regrowth, with ongoing monitoring essential in protected areas like Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to track reinvasion. These strategies address the plant's invasive spread patterns by targeting multiple life stages, though large-scale eradication remains challenging due to the species' extensive distribution. Key challenges in controlling R. ellipticus include its high resprouting rate from root buds, necessitating follow-up treatments over 2-3 years to achieve long-term suppression, as single interventions often fail against established thickets. The plant's thorny and rapid via root suckers further complicate mechanical efforts, while environmental concerns limit broad use in native ecosystems.

Uses

Edible and culinary uses

The fruits of Rubus ellipticus, commonly known as yellow Himalayan raspberry, are sweet-tasting, golden-yellow berries that are primarily eaten fresh and appreciated for their juicy texture and mild flavor. These subglobose drupelets, which mature from green to bright yellow, are a valued wild edible in the Himalayan region, often collected and consumed raw during their short seasonal availability from April to May. Nutritionally, the berries are rich in , with reported levels ranging from 7.1 to 44 mg per 100 g fresh weight, alongside significant capacity derived from phenolics and . They also contain approximately 12.65% total sugars (mostly reducing sugars), 64.4% moisture, 0.96% crude fat, and notable amounts of crude fiber, carbohydrates, protein, and minerals such as calcium and , making them a nutrient-dense option comparable to other species. The high bioactive content supports their role as a source, with activity demonstrated through assays showing effective free radical scavenging. In culinary applications, R. ellipticus berries are processed into jams, squashes, and juices to preserve their flavor and color, particularly in Nepali and Indian cuisines where they add a tangy-sweet note to beverages and preserves. They are also fermented to produce herbal wines, leveraging the fruit's natural sugars and acidity for balanced profiles. Traditional preparations include simple syrups or additions to local dishes, though their use remains largely artisanal due to limited commercial cultivation. The berries are typically harvested wild from thorny shrubs in Himalayan forests, requiring careful hand-picking to avoid damage, with fruits perishing quickly post-harvest—often within hours—necessitating immediate consumption or processing. Cultivation is feasible in home gardens and small orchards in subtropical to temperate climates, where yield around 0.75 kg of per mature bush covering 2.5 square meters, starting from the second year after planting. This potential supports sustainable production to meet local demand while conserving wild populations.

Medicinal and other uses

In systems, the fruits of Rubus ellipticus are employed to alleviate , coughs, sore throats, and , while the inner bark is used as a serving as a renal tonic and , particularly in Tibetan practices for conditions like and urinary disorders. These applications draw from ethnomedicinal knowledge in Himalayan regions, where the plant's parts are valued for their and febrifuge properties. Pharmacological investigations reveal that R. ellipticus possesses notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, primarily due to bioactive compounds such as ellagic acid and quercetin present in the fruits and leaves. These properties contribute to its potential in wound healing and reducing oxidative stress, with extracts demonstrating antiproliferative and antimicrobial activities in vitro. Recent 2025 studies have further demonstrated in vitro anthelmintic and antibacterial activities of fruit extracts, supporting its traditional antimicrobial applications. Additionally, studies have explored its antidiabetic potential, showing improved glucose uptake and insulin sensitivity in preclinical models, linking it to traditional uses for metabolic disorders. Beyond medicinal applications, the leaves of R. ellipticus serve as fodder for livestock in Himalayan pastoral systems, providing nutritional forage during seasonal shortages. The flexible stems are utilized for crafting baskets and other woven items in local communities, while the fruits yield a purple to dull blue dye for textiles. Recent research, including a 2023 analysis, has quantified the plant's high phenolic content at approximately 50 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram dry weight in fruit pomace, underscoring its nutraceutical value. Ethnobotanical surveys in India as of 2024 continue to document its widespread use among indigenous groups for gastrointestinal and renal ailments, emphasizing sustainable harvesting to mitigate overharvesting risks in native habitats.

References

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  2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/365634734_An_updated_review_of_Rubus_ellipticus_an_edible_shrub_its_bioactive_constituents_and_functional_properties
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  14. https://sites.google.com/view/ethnobotanyofnortheastindia/ethnic-communities/nyishi-arunachal-pradesh-eni-2-2
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