Ceylon Blackberry, Eelkek

Rubus moluccanus

Physical Characteristics

Rubus moluccanus is a deciduous Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas to Sri Lanka. Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked and used in pies, preserves etc[146, 177, 183]. It has a sour flavour and is astringent[193].

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Astringent Emmenagogue Enuresis The leaves are abortifacient, astringent and emmenagogue[240 , 360 ]. The leaves, or the sap they contain, can be used to treat dysentery[310 ]. The sap from young shoots is drunk in a single dose to induce labour[310 ]. A decoction of the tender leaves, combined with the leaves of Psidium guajava, Perilla ocimoides and Vernonia volkameriaefolia plus the root of Urena lobota root, is used to treat abdominal pain[360 ]. The leaves are chewed with salt and then spat onto sores to promote healing[310 ] Sap from the leaves or stems is used to treat eye diseases[310 ]. The fruit is considered to be a useful remedy for the nocturnal micturition of children (bed-wetting)[240 , 360 ]. The roots are astringent and a blood tonic[310 , 360 ]. A decoction of the roots is used in the treatment of dysentery and other internal complaints[310 ]. The bark contains around 10% tannins and is an effective astringent[360 ].

Known Hazards

None known