Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Karaka Black' (PBR) (B)
ABOUT
The 'Karaka Black' is a cultivated variety of blackberry known for its robust growth and fruiting habits. This plant boasts an impressive display of canes that are both sturdy and thornless, making it a gardener-friendly choice for those who wish to avoid the prickles traditionally associated with blackberry bushes. The leaves of the 'Karaka Black' are a lush green, with a slightly glossy appearance and a somewhat leathery texture. They come in an oval shape with a prominent vein structure that is visible on the surface. Throughout the growing season, the foliage provides an attractive backdrop for the developing fruits. As for the flowers, they are typically white, sometimes with a hint of pink, and bloom in clusters. These delicate blossoms are a beautiful contrast to the dark green foliage and are an attractive feature of the plant in spring and early summer before the fruits begin to form. The 'Karaka Black' truly shines when it comes to its fruit production. The berries are large, with an elongated shape and a deep, almost midnight black hue when ripe. They are known for their superior size and glossy skin that seems to shimmer in the sunlight. The fruit is juicy and has a sweet but slightly tart flavor, which makes them a favorite for fresh eating, as well as for use in jams, desserts, and other culinary applications. Overall, the appearance of the 'Karaka Black' is both functional and ornamental, providing a bountiful yield of delicious fruits while also contributing to the aesthetic value of the garden with its attractive foliage and flowers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Karaka Black Blackberry, Karaka Black
Common names
Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Karaka Black' (PBR) (B).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as blackberry, specifically the Rubus fruticosus 'Karaka Black', is generally not toxic to humans. The fruits of the blackberry plant are edible and widely consumed. However, there is potential for allergic reactions in some individuals, which may present with typical allergy symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or gastrointestinal distress. Also, consuming unripe blackberries or excessive amounts of the leaves can cause digestive discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the presence of tannins and other constituents.
To pets
The blackberry plant, Rubus fruticosus 'Karaka Black', is also generally not considered toxic to pets. In fact, the ripe fruits can be a healthy treat for animals like dogs when given in moderation. However, parts of the plant, especially the leaves and stems, when chewed in large quantities, could cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets due to the tannins and other compounds in the plant material, which can lead to symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to monitor pets when they are around plants to prevent any potential issues.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
4 feet (1.2 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- High Yield: The plant is known for its high fruit production, providing an abundant harvest.
- Large Berries: Produces large, juicy berries that are attractive and have a good flavor.
- Disease Resistance: Exhibits resistance to common diseases that affect blackberries, resulting in healthier plants.
- Vigorous Growth: Displays strong and vigorous growth, which helps in covering spaces quickly and efficiently.
- Thornless Canes: Lacks thorny stems, making harvesting and maintenance easier and safer.
- Long Harvest Period: Offers a prolonged fruiting period compared to some other varieties, extending the harvest time.
- Drought Tolerance: Capable of withstanding periods of low water availability, making it suitable for various climates.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, appealing to gardeners of all skill levels.
- Attractive to Wildlife: Flowers and fruits attract beneficial pollinators and wildlife like bees and birds.
- Landscape Versatility: Can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including border plantings, trellises, and as groundcover.
- Edible Landscaping: Provides the dual purpose of ornamentation and food production in a garden or landscape.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant activity: Blackberry, including Rubus fruticosus, contains high levels of antioxidants, which may help in reducing oxidative stress and may contribute to the prevention of various diseases.
- Vitamin C content: Blackberries are rich in vitamin C, which is essential for immune function, skin health, and wound healing.
- Dietary fiber: The high fiber content in blackberries can aid in digestion and may contribute to a healthy gastrointestinal system.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Blackberry has been studied for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, which might be beneficial in reducing inflammation-related health problems.
- Anthocyanins presence: These natural pigments found in blackberries may have a role in protecting against cardiovascular diseases.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Landscape dye: The fruit of the blackberry can be boiled to produce a natural dye for fabrics or paper.
- Photography: The juice from blackberries can be used in alternative photography processes, like anthotypes, to create plant-based photographs.
- Ink production: The deep purple-black juice of the blackberry can be reduced and mixed with natural binders to create a plant-based ink for writing or drawing.
- Fruit leather: Blackberry pulp can be dried out to make a chewy, sweet fruit leather snack without any added sugar.
- Flavoring agent: Blackberry juice or puree can be added to vinegar to create a fruity, flavored vinegar perfect for salads and marinades.
- Natural sweetener: Concentrated blackberry juice can be used as a natural sweetener in recipes as a substitute for refined sugars.
- Baking: The berries can be incorporated into pastries and bread for added flavor and bursts of fruitiness.
- Ice cream and sorbets: Pureed blackberries make a delicious base for homemade ice cream or sorbets.
- Homemade jams and jellies: Blackberries are a classic ingredient for preserves, offering a balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Wildlife food source: Planting blackberries can offer a natural food source for birds and other wildlife in your garden.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Blackberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Blackberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Protection - Blackberry bushes, with their thorny branches, have historically been thought to ward off evil spirits and negative energies, offering protection to those nearby.
- Fertility - Blackberries are prolific fruit producers, symbolizing abundance and fertility in various traditions and folklore.
- Healing - Traditionally, blackberry leaves and fruit have been used for their medicinal properties, making them a symbol of healing and health.
- Prosperity - The abundant fruit of the blackberry can represent prosperity and wealth, as it delivers a bountiful harvest with proper care.
WaterBlackberry 'Karaka Black' requires consistent moisture, especially during its growing season in the spring and summer months. It is best to water this plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 2 inches of water each time, which equates to approximately 0.62 to 1.24 gallons per square foot. During hot, dry periods, increase the frequency to twice a week. Ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. During winter, reduce the watering as the plant goes dormant and its water requirements decrease.
LightBlackberry 'Karaka Black' thrives in full sun to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight a day to produce the best fruit. A spot that receives morning sunlight and some afternoon shade can help protect the plant from the intense heat in hotter climates.
TemperatureBlackberry 'Karaka Black' is hardy and can tolerate a wide temperature range; they typically survive winter lows down to 0°F and can handle summer highs up to 100°F. The ideal growing temperature is between 70°F to 85°F for optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 0°F, as extreme cold can damage or kill it.
PruningFor Blackberry 'Karaka Black', pruning is crucial for maintaining plant health and improving fruit production. Prune in late winter or early spring by removing any dead or damaged canes and cutting back the tips of remaining canes to encourage branching. Pruning is done annually, and the best time is when the plant is dormant, to prepare it for the upcoming growing season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilBlackberry 'Karaka Black' prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. A mix of loam, peat, compost, and sand in equal parts can provide an ideal growing medium for robust growth and fruit production.
RepottingBlackberries 'Karaka Black' are typically grown outdoors and do not require frequent repotting. In a garden setting, they should be planted in a permanent location where they can spread their root systems.
Humidity & MistingBlackberries 'Karaka Black' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but perform best with moderate humidity. They do not require specific humidity adjustments when grown outdoors in their preferred climate.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Blackberry 'Karaka Black' in large pots with drainage, in bright light.
Outdoor
Plant Blackberry 'Karaka Black' in sun, ensure soil drainage, space 1.5m apart.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe blackberry 'Karaka Black' begins its life cycle with seed germination, often in the spring, after which it develops a primary root and shoots that grow into canes. As the canes mature, they form a biennial pattern where the first-year canes, called primocanes, grow vegetatively without bearing fruit. In their second year, these canes become floricanes, producing flowers that are pollinated before developing into the blackberries' characteristic aggregate fruit in late summer or early fall. After fruiting, the floricanes die back, while new primocanes develop to sustain the cycle. The plant can also propagate vegetatively through root suckers or tip layering, where the tips of canes touch the ground and root, forming new plants. Over its life, the plant forms a thicket that can live for many years, with individual canes having a two-year life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
The most popular method of propagating a blackberry plant like Rubus fruticosus agg. 'Karaka Black' (PBR) is by tip rooting or tip layering, typically done in late summer or early fall. This involves bending a long, flexible cane to the ground and covering part of it with soil while still attached to the parent plant. Over a period of weeks, the buried tip develops its own root system. Once rooted, this section can be severed from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. It is a simple and effective way to create new plants that are true to the parent's characteristics, as it is a form of vegetative propagation.
