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The '''Raspberry''' or '''Red Raspberry''' (''Rubus idaeus'') is a [[plant]] that produces a [[tart]], sweet, red composite [[fruit]] in summer or early autumn. In proper [[botany|botanical]] language, it is not a [[berry]] at all, but instead an [[Fruit#Aggregate fruit|aggregate fruit]] of numerous [[drupe]]lets around a central core. In raspberry and other species of the subgenus ''Idaeobatus'', the drupelets separate from the core when picked, leaving a hollow fruit, whereas in [[blackberry]] the drupelets stay attached to the core.
It typically grows in forest clearings or fields, particularly where fire or wood-cutting has produced open space for colonization by this opportunistic colonizer of disturbed soil. The raspberry flower can be a [[Northern Nectar Sources for Honeybees|major nectar source]] for [[honeybee]]s. As a cultivated plant in moist temperate regions, it is easy to grow and has a tendency to spread unless cut back.
Two types are commercially available: the wild-type summer bearing, that produces an abundance of fruit on second-year canes within a relatively short period in midsummer, and double- or "ever"-bearing plants, which also bear a few fruit on first-year canes in the autumn, as well as the summer crop on second-year canes. Raspberries can be cultivated from [[USDA plant hardiness zone]]s 3 to 9.
Leaves of the raspberry cane are used fresh or dried in herbal and medicinal [[herbal tea|teas]]. The leaves have an astringent flavour and in [[herbal medicine]] are reputed to be effective in regulating [[menses]]. Leaves are found in groups of 3 or 5 and the undersides are silver-white in color. Blackberries have similar looking leaves but the undersides are green.
Raspberries contain significant amounts of [[polyphenol antioxidant]]s, chemicals linked to promoting [[endothelial]] and [[cardiovascular]] health. [[Xylitol]], a [[sugar alcohol]] [[alternative sweetener]], can be extracted from raspberries.
Raspberries are grown for two reasons: for the fresh market and for commercial processing. Traditionally raspberries were a late summer crop, but with new technology, varieties and innovations, raspberries can be enjoyed all year-round. Raspberries need a lot of sun and ample amounts of water in order to develop to their fullest. Escaped raspberries frequently appear as garden weeds, spread by seeds found in the excrement of birds.
{{Inc|
{{Inc|
Raspberry (from rasp, a tool resembling a file, and berry), a name applied to certain species of the genus Rubus, particularly to Rubus idaeus, R. strigosus, and R. occidentalis, from which have been derived common cultivated forms grown for their excellent edible fruits.
Raspberry (from rasp, a tool resembling a file, and berry), a name applied to certain species of the genus Rubus, particularly to Rubus idaeus, R. strigosus, and R. occidentalis, from which have been derived common cultivated forms grown for their excellent edible fruits.
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==Cultivation==
Raspberries are normally started in the winter from dormant canes. These should be planted 1m apart in fertile, well drained soil. Prepare the soil before planting by digging deeply and incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost.
Raspberries are normally started in the winter from dormant canes. These should be planted 1m apart in fertile, well drained soil. Prepare the soil before planting by digging deeply and incorporate plenty of organic matter, such as compost.
Pick the fruits when they have turned a deep red and drop off easily from the core when touched. This is when the fruits are most ripe and sweetest. Excess fruit can be made into raspberry jam or frozen.
Pick the fruits when they have turned a deep red and drop off easily from the core when touched. This is when the fruits are most ripe and sweetest. Excess fruit can be made into raspberry jam or frozen.
===Propagation===
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===Pests and diseases===
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==Varieties==
==Varieties==
Not all of these are included in the same subgenus.
Not all of these are included in the same subgenus.
==Images==
==Gallery==
{{photo-sources}}<!-- remove this line if there are already 3 or more photos in the gallery -->
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:Raspberry (red).jpg|raspberry (red) - watercolor 1892
Image:Raspberry (red).jpg|raspberry (red) - watercolor 1892
Image:Raspberry And Poison Ivy Leaves.JPG | Raspberry, Poison Ivy. Virginia Creeper leaves look similar
Image:Raspberry And Poison Ivy Leaves.JPG | Raspberry, Poison Ivy. Virginia Creeper leaves look similar
Image:Poison Ivy Berries.JPG | Poison Ivy berries look nothing like raspberries
Image:Poison Ivy Berries.JPG | Poison Ivy berries look nothing like raspberries
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Diseases and pests==
==References==
*[[Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture]], by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963
<!--- xxxxx *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381 -->
<!--- xxxxx *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432 -->
<!--- xxxxx *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608 -->
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons}}
*{{wplink}}
*[http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Rubus_idaeus Medicinal Uses of Raspberries in Armenia]
*[http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.php?title=Rubus_idaeus Medicinal Uses of Raspberries in Armenia]
{{stub}}
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