Rubus anglocandicans (Rosaceae) is the most widespread taxon of European blackberry in Australia

Abstract

We identify the most widespread taxon of the Rubus fruticosus L. aggregate in Australia as a biotype of Rubus anglocandicans A. Newton, on the basis of morphological studies and analysis of M13/HaeIII DNA phenotypes using plant material collected from Australia, New Zealand, Europe and North America. Previous literature has confused this taxon with other Rubus taxa, especially R. procerus. We provide a full description and illustration of R. anglocandicans, including diagnostic characters separating it from R. armeniacus (R. procerus auct. mult.) and R. praecox. The morphology of R. anglocandicans in Australia differs slightly from specimens collected in England and it appears to exist as a clonal lineage, with 97% (n = 76) of samples characterised as DNA phenotype A. This taxonomic revision of this 'weed of national significance' will assist land managers in defining the weed problem prior to assessing management options that may vary in efficacy among species of the R. fruticosus agg. Land managers have long assumed that Australia, New Zealand and north-western America share their most widespread biotype of the R. fruticosus agg.; namely, the taxon now known as R. armeniacus. R. armeniacus, DNA phenotype B, was found in Germany, New Zealand and north-western America, but has not been identified in Australia to date.