Rubus imperialis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Rosales, falling into the family Rosaceae. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rubus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution across several key regions of South America. In Western South America, its presence is noted within the borders of Bolivia. Moving toward the eastern part of the continent, it can be found throughout Southeast and South Brazil. The species also extends into Southern South America, specifically inhabiting the Northeast and Northwest regions of Argentina. Together, these locations highlight the diverse habitats where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Rubus imperialis is defined by its adaptation to diverse altitudinal gradients, spanning an elevational range from 0 m AMSL up to a maximum of 2000 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting the Floresta Ombrófila (equivalent to Floresta Pluvial), where it thrives within the high-moisture conditions and dense structural complexity characteristic of these rainforest ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Rubus imperialis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody plant, it establishes a robust root system that supports its continuous growth cycle, enabling it to endure seasonal variations and regrow annually. This perennial nature facilitates the development of complex architectural structures, such as its characteristic arching canes, which can expand over time. Throughout its life cycle, the plant undergoes periodic stages of vegetative expansion and reproductive flowering, utilizing its sustained presence to colonize favorable environments and maintain population stability over many years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rubus imperialis is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a robust and perennial structure. It is primarily a terrestrial species, maintaining an independent existence without acting as a parasite or an epiphyte. While it possesses the capacity to act as a facultative climber, utilizing surrounding vegetation for support when necessary, it is fundamentally capable of being self-supporting. The plant's development is defined by its woody nature, providing a sturdy framework that distinguishes it from herbaceous or graminoid species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

facultative

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rubus imperialis has 3 reported plant parts identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root, leaf, stem.

Root

1. Therapie
2. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Leaf

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Stem

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Chemicals

Rubus imperialis has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Niga-ichigoside F1, 23-hydroxytormentic acid, 2B.

Niga-ichigoside F1

1. Journal of natural products
2. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology
3. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

23-hydroxytormentic acid

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

2B

1. Journal of applied toxicology : JAT

Activities

Rubus imperialis has 2 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antinociceptive, Cytotoxic.

Antinociceptive

1. Journal of natural products

Cytotoxic

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Conditions

Rubus imperialis has 5 reported investigations on conditions identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include antidiabetic agent, diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, pain, wound healing.

Antidiabetic agent

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Diabetes mellitus

1. Therapie

Oxidative stress

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Pain

1. Journal of natural products

Wound healing

1. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's archives of pharmacology

Preparations

Rubus imperialis has 11 reported preparations identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include EtOAc extract, butanol fraction from roots, ethyl acetate fraction from roots, extract, hexane fraction from roots.

Etoac extract

1. Journal of natural products

Butanol fraction from roots

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Ethyl acetate fraction from roots

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Extract

1. Therapie

Hexane fraction from roots

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanolic extract

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanolic extract from leaves

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanolic extract from roots

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanolic extract from stems

1. Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. C, Journal of biosciences

Methanolic extracts (me)

1. Journal of pharmacy & pharmaceutical sciences : a publication of the Canadian Society for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Societe canadienne des sciences pharmaceutiques