Rubus robiae -'pyramidalis-leaved' form


This map has been generated using a programme created by
John Lowell for the South Lancashire 'snapshot flora' 1995-2005.
A revised map needs to be created to show the additional records made since 2005.

This bramble has been viewed in the field situation with Alan Newton and it was decided that plants are a variety of the widespread Rubus robiae.

Distribution:
Locally frequent between Skelmersdale, Horwich and Bamber Bridge to the south of Preston and about Padiham in the east. Scarce elswhere.

Habitat:
Hedgerows, scrub, woodland borders and along disused railway lines.

Taxon Designation:
Probably an endemic; South Lancashire Axiophyte.

Comments:
Note the obovate and cuspidate terminal leaflets which are distinctive from the typical form of Rubus robiae which has nearly quadrate terminal leaflets. Initially the termial leaflets were thought to resemble those of Rubus pyramidalis hence the name 'pyramidalis-leaved' form that has been loosely applied to this bramble in order to assist with mapping the distribution of this taxon. This variety also occurs in north Cheshire as at the Frodsham Marshes and merits further study.