286 WILD FOOD PLANTS OF THE PHILIPPINES 



Rubus moluccanus is a scrambling shrub reaching a height 

 of 2 to 3 meters. The stems and leaves are armed with medium- 

 sized spines. The stems, buds, petioles, and the lower surfaces 

 of the leaves are velvety. The upper surfaces of the leaves are 

 somewhat hairy. The leaves are rather large, and usually some- 

 what three- to five-lobed. The flowers are about 2 centimeters 

 in diameter, white, and usually borne in clusters. 



This species is found in the mountains, from Bontoc to the 

 southern limits of the Archipelago. It is not cultivated. 



RUBUS NIVEUS Thunb. PiLAi. 



The fruits occur in terminal clusters, are about a centimeter 

 in diameter, and have a good flavor. 



Rubus niveus is a very spiny, scrambling shrub which may 

 reach a height of 3 meters, but is usually less than a meter in 

 height. The leaves are compound with five to nine leaflets 

 which are usually less than 3 centimeters in length. The mar- 

 gins of the leaflets are prominently toothed ; the lower surfaces 

 have a whitish appearance. 



This species is reported only from Bontoc and Benguet. It is 

 not cultivated. 



RUBUS PECTINELLUS Max. (Fig. 28). Atibulnak. 



The fruits are 1.5 centimeters in diameter, bright red, juicy, 

 subacid, and of good quality and flavor. This is considered to 

 be one of the choicest species of the genus in the Philippines. 



Rubus pectinelliis is a trailing plant with heart-shaped leaves. 

 The stems, leaves, and calyx are armed with small spines. The 

 leaves are very rough, hairy, heart-shaped, have toothed mar- 

 gins, and are usually from 3 to 6 centimeters in diameter. The 

 flowers are white, and upwards of 2 centimeters in diameter. 



This species has been reported only from Abra, Lepanto, Bon- 

 toc, Benguet, Laguna, Tayabas and Davao. It is not cultivated. 



RUBUS ROLFEI Vid, 



The berries are yellowish, fleshy, and well flavored. 



Rubus rolfei is a scrambling shrub 2 to 3 meters in height. 

 The stems and lower surfaces of the leaves are covered with 

 fine, soft hairs, while the stem and the larger veins of the leaves 

 are armed with small spines. The leaves are very rough, three- 

 to five-lobed, up to 12 centimeters in length, dark green above, 

 brownish beneath, and have toothed margins. The flowers are 

 white, about 3 centimeters in diameter, and are usually borne 

 in groups. 



