PLANT

The Blackberry or Brambleberry (Rubus fruticosus L.) is a shrub of the Rosaceae family native to Eurasia. Its fruits are blackberries. It is a shrub that can reach 2-3 m in height.
The leaves are deciduous, consisting of 3-5 leaflets with ovate or obovate lamina and serrated margins and acute apex.
The flowers are hermaphrodite, whitish or pinkish, grouped in raceme-like inflorescences; flowering time depends on the variety. It is a melliferous plant from which bees obtain a particular monofloral honey. Withstands winter frosts well.

The 'NATCHEZ' variety is thornless.

FRUIT

The fruit of the 'NATCHEZ' variety is very large, elongated and black in colour. The flesh is a purplish-blackish colour, very juicy, acidulous and aromatic, with a pleasant flavour.

PROPERTIES

The blackberry, which everyone knows for the goodness of its fruit, is also appreciated for its astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, haemostatic, colouring and flavouring properties.
The decoction of the leaves, which are particularly rich in tannins, slows down heavy menstruation and diarrhoea, and fights haemorrhoids and stomatitis. For external use they are used in rinses and gargles for bleeding gums, irritation and sore throats.
The fruits, which are rich in sugars and vitamins, are an excellent diet food and are also used as flavour enhancers in the pharmaceutical industry, for the preparation of syrups, liqueurs, jams, jellies, cakes, ice cream, sorbets, for flavouring vinegar and as food colouring.
The young, boiled sprouts make an unusual but excellent salad.
In Germany and England, the leaves are used as an infusion to make tea.

POSITION

It prefers sunny or semi-shady areas and adapts well in any soil.

MATURATION

The 'NATCHEZ' variety is quite early (2nd decade of July to the end of August).