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.
Distribution:
Extending from Ormskirk (SD4109) to the Samlesbury area, plants are most frequent between Parbold and Hoghton.
Habitat:
Woods, field scrub and hedgerows.
Taxon Designation:
Local Endemic; South Lancashire Axiophyte.
Comments:
Closely resembling Rubus echinatoides especially when growing in the shade. In open habitats the stems are heavily armed and so this taxon belongs to series Hystrices. Although the petals are white narrow and notched as for Rubus echinatoides, the carpels are not glabrous but densely hairy. During 2006 small populations of plants that may be conspecific with this taxon have been found in Flintshire and Denbighshire; similar plants have also been found just with Staffordshire.