Biological Flora of the British Isles: Rubus vestitus Weihe

Abstract

1 This account reviews information on all aspects of the biology of Rubus vestitus that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, hervbivores and disease, history, and conservation. 2 Rubus vestitus is a widespread member of the series Vestiti, one of 11 rather ill-defined series of largely apomictic microspecies in the section Glandulosus of Rubus subg. Rubus. Each of the series represents a main node in the spectrum of variation within this section. Its species (usually with those from sections Rubus and Corylifolii) are commonly included in the Rubus fruticosus L. aggregate (brambles or blackberries). More than 320 microspecies have been recognized in this aggregate in Britain. 3 Rubus vestitus is typical of shady woodlands, wood margins, scrub and hedgebanks. Often abundant on calcareous or clay soils, it is rarer on acid soils of heaths and moors. 4 Rubus vestitus is placed in its ecological context, relative to the other widespread and important bramble species in Britain. Where possible, information specific to R. vestitus is provided but much of the relevant literature does not distinguish it within the broader R. fruticosus agg. As this is the first account of a bramble in the Biological Flora of the British Isles, an inclusive approach incorporates data for the species aggregate where appropriate (e.g. in lists of pollinators and phytophagous insects). © 2005 British Ecological Society.