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hy are blackberries and raspberries in the same family? Explore Rubus' amazing family tree!
In our lives, blackberries and raspberries are favorite fruits of many people. Not only because they taste delicious, but also because of their attractive appearance. However, it surprises some people that these seemingly different fruits actually belong to the same large family. This large family, called Rubus, is actually a fairly complex group of plant species. In this article, we'll explore the diversity of the Rubus family and how they relate to each other.
Basic Introduction to Rubus
Rubus belongs to the Rosaceae family, a genus of plants with hundreds or even thousands of species. Plants in this genus are commonly called "thorns" and are found on every continent except Antarctica.
Plants in the genus Rubus are known for their diversity and complex classification; some species may even be biologically different subspecies or varieties, but they all share some common characteristics.
Appearance and growth characteristics
Most Rubus plants have woody stems with thorns and usually grow as shrubs. The growth pattern of these stems is usually long and arching, and they easily root when they come into contact with the soil and produce new shoots in the spring. Leaves can vary in shape, including evergreen or deciduous, simple, lobed or compound.
Various fruit forms
The fruits of the genus Rubus are often called aggregate fruits and are composed of tiny units called drupelets. These fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making them useful in a wide range of diets.
Complex taxonomyAbout 60 to 70 percent of Rubus species are polyploid, meaning they have more than two sets of chromosomes.
Rubus is the only genus in the tribe Rubeae, which makes its classification unusually complex. This complexity arises primarily from hybridization between species and their polyploid nature.
Many botanists have different opinions on the classification of Rubus, and some plants can be classified as multiple different subspecies or even species.
Common Rubus species and hybrids
Some of the better-known Rubus species include blackberry (R. fruticosus) and raspberry (R. idaeus). In addition, hybrid varieties such as logonberry and boysenberry also have a place in this large family.
Origin and evolution of Rubus
Based on molecular data and studies of ancient fossils, Rubus is believed to have originated in North America and spread to Eurasia and other regions during the Miocene.
Conclusion
As we learn more about the amazing Rubus family, we should also think about how these unique fruits affect our lives and what role they will play in the future of agriculture and the environment?
