Black Raspberry

Black raspberry originates from the eastern parts of North America. Black raspberry is a deciduous shrub growing up to 3. The thorny stems have leaves consisting of three leaflets (on flowering branchlets) or five leaflets (on first year stems). The flowers are hermaphrodite and are pollinated by insects. Fruiting only occurs on two-year old stems. The typical round shaped berries are eatable and delicious, however many people do not like the numerous seeds inside the berry. The black cranberry differs from the more popular red raspberry by their more thorny stems and darker colour. Black raspberries fruits looks more like blackberries. Black raspberries detach easily form the carpel, whereas blackberries are firmly attached to the carpel.

Traditionally, the North-Amercian Indians made tea from black raspberry roots used to treat stomach aches. The leaves are highly astringent and used to treat bowel complaints Black raspberry fruits have high levels of anthocyanins, as indicated by their very intense dark colour. The high levels of phytochemicals have initiated many studies into the potential health benefits, such as improving vision, controlling diabetes, preventing cancer and retarding the effects of aging. Most research is focussed on its potential anticancer properties.