Dwarf forms of brambles (Rubus L. subgen. Rubus)

Abstract

The paper deals with dwarf forms of Rubus species in Europe. Sixteen species (all belonging to sect. Rubus) show this growth form, which is obviously genetically determined. They are regarded as varieties of the given species. New to science are R. marssonianus H. E. Weber var. pusillus H. E. Weber, R. muenteri T. Marss.  var. pusillus H. E. Weber and R. senticosus Köhler ex Weihe var. pusillus H. E. Weber & Kiesewetter. A status novus is established for R. gracilis J. & C. Presl var. parvulus (Hülsen) H. E. Weber, R. pyramidalis Kalt. var. parvifolius (K. Frid. & Gelert) H. E. Weber and R. silvaticus Weihe & Nees var. microphyllus (K. Frid. ex Erichsen) H. E. Weber. – Dwarf forms are mostly about half as tall as the typical species and they show additional characteristic features. Their fre­quency decreases from north to south. Most dwarf forms occur in Denmark (13), followed by north Germany (9) and Central Europe down to the Danube (4). Farther south and in South Europe they are missing. Four dwarf forms are recorded in the British Isles.