Ecology Distribution Management Info Impact Info References and Links Contacts

Interim profile, incomplete information Taxonomic name: Rubus ulmifolius Schott Synonyms: Rubus bellidiflorus hort. ex K. Koch, Rubus discolor Weihe & Nees, Rubus flagellaris var. inermis Ser., Rubus inermis Willd., Rubus ulmifolius f. bellidiflorus Voss, Rubus ulmifolius var. bellidiflorus C. K. Schneid., Rubus ulmifolius var. inermis (Ser.) Focke Common names: elmleaf blackberry, Sand-Brombeere (German), zarzamora (Spanish) Organism type: vine, climber, shrub Rubus ulmifolius commonly known as elm-leaf blackberry in English and zarzamora in Spanish is native to Europe and North Africa. It has been introduced widely and is invasive and a problem in parts of Argentina, Chile, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. It colonises natural and semi-natural ecosystems where it competes with and displaces native plant species and degrades habitats negatively impacting native fauna. Occurs in: agricultural areas, riparian zones, ruderal/disturbed General impacts Elm-leaf blackberry colonises natural and semi-natural ecosystems where it competes and displaces native plant species and degrades habitats negatively impacting native fauna. The only perennial part of the plant is its root system which comprises of a woody crown, a main vertical root and numerous secondary roots. Suckering occurs when the root system is disturbed. The canes are biennial emerging from the crown each spring. First year canes grow fast and in an arching manner; in autumn when they touch the ground they sprout roots and produce a new bud which grows into a new cane in spring. Auxiliary buds on second year canes sprout in spring producing short flowering canes. The fleshy berry is consumed by birds and mammals and the seeds are widely dispersed in their droppings. Seedlings are poor competitors survival rates are poor where there is shade and competition. Seeds remain viable in the soil and germination is related to disturbance (Mazzolari et al 2011). Elm-leaf blackberry is a significant problem in Laguna de los Padres Reserve in Argentina where it has invaded around 90 hectares of native forest causing managers to adopt a controlled herbicide use option within the protected area (Mazzolari et al 2011). Elm-leaf blackberry is a major threat to remnant patches of native forests on Juan Fernandez Islands (Chile) home to the endemic and ‘Critically Endangered (CR)’ Juan Fernández firecrown (see Sephanoides fernandensis in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) and the Chilean native green-backed firecrown (see Sephanoides sephaniodes). The Juan Fernández firecrown has a restricted breeding range and is dependant on the availability of intact native forest (OIKONOS 2011). Geographical range Native range: Portugal - Madeira Islands; Spain - Canary Islands. Northern Africa: Algeria; Morocco; Tunisia. Europe: Ireland; United Kingdom - Scotland; Belgium; Germany; Luxembourg; Netherlands; Switzerland; Albania; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Croatia; Italy [incl. Sardinia, Sicily]; Slovenia; France [incl. Corsica]; Portugal; Spain [incl. Baleares] (USDA, ARS 2011) Known introduced range: United States (California, Nevada, Oregon and New Jersey) (USDA, NRCS 2011); Australia; New Zealand; South Africa; naturalized in the Azores (USDA, ARS 2011); Juan Fernandez Islands (Chile) (Holdgate & Wace, 1961); Ecuador: Galapagos Islands (Isabela & Santa Cruz) (PIER, 2009) Compiled by: IUCN/SSC Invasive Species Specialist Group (ISSG) To contribute information, please contact Shyama Pagad. Last Modified: Monday, 2 May 2011