Rubus biformispinus, the pasture dewberry,[1] is an uncommon North American species of flowering plant in the rose family. It is found in eastern and central Canada (from Ontario to Nova Scotia) and the northeastern United States (Maine, New York, Pennsylvania).[2][3][4]

Rubus biformispinus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Spermatophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Rubus
Species:
R. biformispinus
Binomial name
Rubus biformispinus
Blanch. 1906

The epithet biformispinus means "with spines of two shapes," referring to the two distinct sizes of prickles on the stems.[3]

The genetics of Rubus is extremely complex, so that it is difficult to decide on which groups should be recognized as species. There are many rare species with limited ranges such as this. Further study is suggested to clarify the taxonomy.[5] Some studies have suggested that R. biformispinus may have originated as a hybrid between R. setosus and R. flagellaris. [6]

References

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