Rubus alceifolius (shrub)

Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Interim profile, incomplete information Taxonomic name: Rubus alceifolius Poir. Synonyms: Rubus moluccanusauct. non L. , Rubus roridus auct. non Lindl. Common names: giant bramble (English), grosse framboise marronne (French-Reunion (La Réunion)), raisin marron (French-Reunion (La Réunion)), ronce à feuilles d'alcée (French), vigne maronne (French-Reunion (La Réunion)) Organism type: shrub Rubus alceifolius is a climbing shrub native to Sumatra and Java that has been introduced in several islands of the Indian Ocean and Australia. When conditions are favorable, R. alceifolius develops dense, impenetrable monospecific cover up to several metres high, covering and smothering native herbaceous and shrubby vegetation. Occurs in: agricultural areas, natural forests, planted forests, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed, scrub/shrublands Habitat description The plant grows in sunny places, invading forest hedges, roadsides, open places in natural forests or in fallows. Geographical range Native range: Southeast Asia Known introduced range: Mayotte, La Réunion, Mauritius, Australia (PIER, 2006) Management information Biological: By the end of 2007, the biological control agent Cibdela janthina (Tenthredinidae, Argidae) native to Sumatra, has been introduced and released in La Réunion Island. By the en of 2008, the agent is considered acclimated and well established. It is spreading naturally up to 900m of elevation. Impact on Rubus thickets is promising but still under evaluation, as well as natural regeneration of the flora according to Rubus regression (Dr. Thomas Le Bourgeois pers.comm., 17 February 2009). Reproduction The genetic diversity analysis of Rubus alceifolius showed that populations in areas of introduction (Reunion, Mauritius, Mayotte, Australia) are clonal and genetically very different from those in native range, which showed high diversity. Madagascar populations appeared intermediate. The seed production is from apomixis in Reunion, while it is from allogamy within the native range. In Reunion, the seeds are produced from see level up to 1100 m, while vegetative multiplication (cuttings, layerings) occurs from see level until 1600 m (Dr. Thomas Le Bourgeois pers.comm., 17 February 2009). Compiled by: Comité français de l'UICN (IUCN French Committee) & IUCN SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Monday, 16 August 2010