Hello again all. While raspberries aren't usually associated with Hawai'i, one species is quite prolific here, indeed. This particular raspberry, Rubus rosifolius, is called thimbleberry locally, though in other regions it usually goes by rose-leaf, Mauritius, or Vanuatu raspberry.
It can be found in thickets throughout the 18-acre off-grid intentional community where I live, deep in the jungle.
Aside from the delicious fruit, like most plants in the genus Rubus, this species also has medicinal properties. Both aspects of the plant are utilized often here.
This is one that I love having around, which never needs to be intentionally planted, as it seeds itself very effectively, given that multiple bird species happily gobble up the fruit, distributing the seeds in their droppings.
The only potentially uncomfortable characteristic of the plant, like most raspberries and blackberries, is its thorns, which while sharp, are not horrid (Rubus ellipticus, Himalayan raspberry, which is beginning to naturalize locally, does have utterly horrid spines).
The delicate fruit is very beautiful, glistening in the sun.
Here's a rather good view of a thicket, with flowers and fruit easily visible.
Thank you all for allowing me to share another tiny snippet of my world with you. 🙏💚
