Rosa multiflora

Rosa multiflora (syn. Rosa polyantha)[2] is a species of rose known commonly as multiflora rose,[3] baby rose,[3] Japanese rose,[3] many-flowered rose,[3] seven-sisters rose,[3] Eijitsu rose and rambler rose. It is native to eastern Asia, in China, Japan and Korea. It should not be confused with Rosa rugosa, which is also known as "Japanese rose", or with polyantha roses which are garden cultivars derived from hybrids of R. multiflora. It was introduced to North America, where it is regarded as an invasive species.

Rosa multiflora
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rosa
Species:
R. multiflora
Binomial name
Rosa multiflora
Synonyms[1]
  • Rosa polyantha Siebold & Zucc,.
  • Rosa quelpaertensis H.Lév.

Description

It is a scrambling shrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3–5 m (9.8–16.4 ft), with stout stems with recurved prickles (sometimes absent). The leaves are 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, compound, with 5–9 leaflets and feathered stipules. The flowers are produced in large corymbs, each flower small, 1.5–4 cm (5⁄8–1 5⁄8 in) diameter, white or pink, borne in early summer. The hips are reddish to purple, 6–8 mm (0.24–0.31 in) diameter.

Two varieties are accepted by the Flora of China:[4]

  • Rosa multiflora var. multiflora. Flowers white, 1.5–2 cm (5⁄8–3⁄4 in) diameter.
  • Rosa multiflora var. cathayensis Rehder & E.H.Wilson. Flowers pink, to 4 cm (1 5⁄8 in) diameter.

Cultivation and uses

Rosa multiflora is grown as an ornamental plant and also used as a rootstock for grafted ornamental rose cultivars.

In eastern North America, Rosa multiflora is considered an invasive species. It was originally introduced from Asia as a soil conservation measure, as a natural hedge to border grazing land, and to attract wildlife. It is readily distinguished from American native roses by its large inflorescences, which bear multiple flowers and hips, often more than a dozen, while the American species bear only one or a few on a branch.

In some regions the plant is classified as a noxious weed.[5] In grazing areas, it is generally considered to be a serious pest, though it is considered excellent fodder for goats.

The hips of the plant are edible.[6]

Management

The targeted removal of multiflora rose often requires an aggressive technique, such as the full removal of the plant in addition to the root structure. Pruning and cutting back of the plant often leads to re-sprouting. Two natural biological controls include the rose rosette disease and the rose seed chalid (Megastigmus aculeastus var. nigroflavus).[7] Patches of introduced multiflora rose in Pennsylvania are displaying symptoms of rose rosette disease, which can lead to decline and death.[8]

  • Whole plant
  • Bark
  • Foliage
  • Flowers
  • Flower close-up
  • Hips (fruits)

References
  1. "Rosa multiflora Thunb.". Richard Pankhurst et al. Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh. Retrieved April 27, 2014 – via The Plant List.CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. Roger Phillips; Martyn Rix (2004). The Ultimate Guide to Roses. Pan Macmillan Ltd. p. 262. ISBN 1-4050-4920-0.
  3. "Rosa multiflora". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved December 15, 2017.
  4. Gu, Cuizhi; Robertson, Kenneth R. "Rosa multiflora". Flora of China. 9 – via eFloras.org, Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
  5. Carole Bergmann; Jil M. Swearingen. "Multiflora Rose". U.S. National Park Service. Archived from the original on April 4, 2006. Retrieved March 27, 2006.
  6. "Multiflora Rose, An Invasive But Nutritious Wild Edible". Eat the Planet.
  7. "Multiflora Rose Control". Missouri department of conservation. Retrieved September 14, 2014.
  8. "Multiflora Rose: The Mixed Blessings of Rose Rosette Disease". Retrieved March 19, 2016.
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