Rubus idaeus

Rubus idaeus (Framboise, European Raspberry or the Red Raspberry) is a species in the Rubus genus in the Rosaceae family that is native to Europe and north Asia. A very similar raspberry, which was formerly a subspecies, is now a distinct species, Rubus strigosus.

R. idaeus is a perennial plant which has biennial stems from its root system. In the first year, the plant grows a stem 1.5-2.5 meters tall, with no branches, but with pinnate leaves with 5-7 leaflets. In the second year, the plant doesn't grow taller, but produces several side shoot with 3-5 leaflets. The flowers are produced in spring, each about 1 cm in diameter, with five white petals. The fruit, a raspberry, is red, edible, sweet but tart-flavored, and produced in summer or early autumn.

It grows typically in forests, forming under tree canopies. In southern Europe and Central Asia, it is only found at high altitudes on mountains.

Naming
The species name idaeus refers to its occurence on Mt. Ida, near Troy in Turkey.

Cultivation and uses
The fruit serves as an important food crop, though most commercial cultivars derive from R. idaeus and R. strigosus.

The leaves are used to treat canker sores, cold sores, and gingivitis in all ages, along with anemia, leg cramps, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, it helps treat morning sickness.