Raspberry Rubus idaeus Himbo Top = 'Rafzaqu' (PBR) (F)

Names

• Synonyms

  Himbo Top Raspberry, Fall-bearing Raspberry, Everbearing Raspberry

• Common names

  Rubus idaeus Himbo Top = 'Rafzaqu' (PBR) (F).

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is not toxic to humans. In fact, raspberries are widely consumed around the world and are known for their nutritional benefits, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. There is no significant risk associated with ingesting raspberries, and they do not typically cause poisoning or adverse health effects when consumed as part of a normal diet.

• To pets

  Raspberry plants, including the Himbo Top variety, are generally considered non-toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. The consumption of raspberries by pets should not lead to poisoning or serious health issues. However, it is always recommended to introduce any new foods into your pet's diet gradually and in moderation, as individual animals may have different sensitivities or allergies. It's important to note that overconsumption of any fruit, including raspberries, could potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in some pets.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  5 feet (1.5 meters)

• Spread

  4 feet (1.2 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• High fruit yield: Rubus idaeus Himbo Top is known for its abundant production of raspberries.
• Extended harvesting season: This variety offers a longer fruiting period compared to some other types of raspberries.
• Large fruit size: The berries produced are larger than average, making them ideal for fresh eating and recipes.
• Sweet flavor: The raspberries from this plant have a sweet and enjoyable taste that is favored by many.
• Thornless canes: Himbo Top is a thornless cultivar, which makes handling and picking berries a more pleasant and safer task.
• Disease resistance: The plant is known to have good resistance to common raspberry diseases, which helps ensure a healthy crop.
• Upright growth habit: The sturdy canes typically do not require staking, saving time and labor in the garden.
• Attracts pollinators: In flowering season, the flowers of the raspberry plant can attract bees and other beneficial pollinators to the garden.
• Decorative potential: With its lush green foliage and appealing fruit, it can add aesthetic value to the garden or landscape.
• Adaptable to containers: This raspberry variety can be grown in containers, making it suitable for patios and small garden spaces.

Medical Properties

• Antioxidant: Raspberry leaves contain various antioxidants, which may help in protecting cells from damage.
• Anti-inflammatory: They may also have anti-inflammatory properties that could help with conditions like arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Gastrointestinal remedies: Traditionally used for treating diarrhea and gastrointestinal upset due to its tannin content.
• Menstrual relief: Raspberry leaf tea has been used historically to alleviate menstrual cramps and regulate menstrual cycles.
• Labor facilitation: Often recommended by herbalists and midwives to support and possibly facilitate labor, although scientific evidence is mixed and its effectiveness remains uncertain.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• The raspberry 'Himbo Top' can be used as a natural dye, providing a pink to purple color that is great for dyeing fabrics or crafting projects.
• As a source of natural pectin, raspberries can be boiled to extract pectin for homemade jam or jelly making, providing a setting agent for other fruits low in pectin.
• Raspberry plants can be incorporated into a permaculture garden as a companion plant, helping to attract beneficial insects or as a bramble barrier to deter pests and animals.
• The leaves of raspberry plants, when dried, can be used to create a flavorful tea that has been traditionally enjoyed in many cultures.
• Raspberry canes, once pruned, can be repurposed as natural plant stakes or for creating wattle fencing in the garden, providing a rustic aesthetic and practical support for climbing plants.
• When mashed, raspberries can be used in a vinegar infusion to create a fruit-flavored vinegar perfect for culinary uses in salad dressings or marinades.
• Raspberry fruit pulp can be added to homemade soap or skincare products for its color and antioxidant properties, contributing to a natural skincare regimen.
• The spent raspberry pulp from juicing or making jelly can be added to compost to enrich garden soil, aiding in waste reduction and providing nutrients to the soil ecosystem.
• Raspberries can be used to craft homemade wine or liqueurs, where their natural sugars and flavors can be fermented into unique and delicious alcoholic beverages.
• The leaves and stems of raspberry plants, when soaked in water, can be used as a natural insecticide spray in the garden, helping to control aphid populations.

Feng Shui

The raspberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The raspberry is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Protection: Raspberry bushes (to which the Rubus idaeus Himbo Top belongs) have thorns, which have historically been linked with protection and the idea of safeguarding something valuable, as they defend the fruit from being eaten by many animals.
• Joy: The bright red fruit of the raspberry is reminiscent of happiness and sweetness in life, symbolizing pleasure and delight often associated with the taste of the fruit.
• Love and Kindness: In some cultures, the raspberry's deep red hue is associated with the heart and love, representing kindness and affection.
• Fertility and Abundance: Raspberries are prolific fruit bearers, often symbolizing fertility, abundance, and the productivity of nature.