Rubus c.f. lasiodermis – Series Rhamnifolii
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This bramble is mainly known from Hampshire and Dorset but has evidently spread to Somerset and West Sussex in recent years. The photos taken here are mainly from a very distinctive form frequent in Hampshire which may differ from plants in Dorset and elsewhere (and may also be different to the entity under this name described in Edees & Newton). However, this form is instantly recognisable by the strongly-armed straight (and often erect) panicles, pale pink flowers, downy stem, felted rachis and by the yellowish-green, sharply toothed concave leaves. Although placed in the Rhamnifolii, there are no glands anywhere on the plant.
The inflorescence is narrowly triangular in shape and not leafy. The branches are ascending to almost patent and the rachis is only slightly flexuose. Flowers are clustered at the top but well spaced below. The numerous long prickles are reddish with a distinct yellow tip. They are usually straight and patent to slightly downturned or sometimes curved.
Sepals are broadly triangular and felted, usually with a short tip. Flowers are c.2.5-3cm across with pale pink broadly elliptical petals; the colour often appearing white in harsh sun. Petals are not touching and tend to be widely spaced when the flowers are fully open. Stamens are relatively long and dense.
This bramble is mainly found at the edges of acid woodland, and appears to be partly adventive, often growing in disturbed places alongside tracks and paths. Here a bush was growing over a trimmed Cotoneaster hedge in an urban street in Gosport. The habit is low to medium arching and the stems are often relatively thin compared to other brambles.
Leaves are often distinctly yellow-green in colour, sharply and quite deeply serrate (dissected) with an acuminate apex. The leaflets are concave (folded or curled inwards) and have prominent veins.
The terminal leaflet is relatively narrow, obovate, about 8 x 5cm.
Leaflets are shortly downy below, often appearing greenish-white felted.
The stem is reddish purple, bluntly angled, with strong pubescence but no glands. The prickles are relatively long, patent to slightly downturned or curved, red with a yellow point like those of the rachis.
