About Rubus glaucus Benth.
Rubus glaucus Benth., commonly known as mora de Castilla or Andean raspberry, is a species of blackberry found in Latin America ranging from Mexico to Bolivia, including the northern and central Andes. Its taste and utility are similar to those of a loganberry. This species is a perennial semi-erect climbing shrub in the rose family. It grows multiple round, spiny stems that form the plant's crown; these stems measure 1 to 2 cm in diameter, and the whole plant can reach up to 3 m in height. Its leaves are trifoliate with serrated edges, dark green on the upper surface and white on the underside. Both stems and leaves are covered in a white powdery coating. The fruit is an ellipsoid compound drupe, with a widest diameter of 15 to 25 mm and a weight of 3 to 5 grams. It is green when first developing, turns red when ripening, and becomes a dark bright purple when fully ripe. Ripe fruit is made of small individual drupes attached to the receptacle; the fleshy whitish flesh is rich in vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus, with a bittersweet flavor. This fruit is suitable for use in juices, nectars, jams, jellies, ice cream, pastries, and confectionery. Fruit production is continuous, with two peak harvests each year. Plants reach maturity and begin producing fruit after their first year, and production continues throughout the plant's lifespan, which ranges from 12 to 20 years. This species grows best at temperatures between 12 and 19 °C, with 80 to 90% relative humidity, high levels of sunshine, and well-distributed annual rainfall between 800 and 2,500 mm. It is native to tropical highlands of northwestern South America and Central America, and prefers elevations between 1,500 m and 3,100 m. In Costa Rica, it occurs in the upper regions of the Cordillera de Talamanca and the Central Volcanic Cordillera.
