Uses
Toxic parts
The fresh leaves contain the toxin hydrogen cyanide, though details of quantities are not given
[1]. This substance is found in several foods, including almonds. In small quantities, hydrogen cyanide has been shown to stimulate respiration and improve digestion, it is also claimed to be of benefit in the treatment of cancer. In excess, however, it can cause respiratory failure and even death.
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - raw or cooked
[2][3][4][5][6]. The fruit is often picked when under-ripe and very firm, it has a very tart flavour at this time and is mainly used in making pies, jams etc. However, if the fruit is allowed to remain on the plant until it is fully ripe and soft it becomes quite sweet and is delicious for eating out of hand[K]. The fruit of the wild species is often less than 1cm in diameter, but named cultivars have considerably larger fruits up to 3cm in diameter[K].
Leaves- raw. The young and tender leaves can be eaten in salads
[7]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.
Material uses
The fruit pulp is used cosmetically in face-masks for its cleansing effect on greasy skins
[5].
The fruit is laxative
[5]. Stewed unripe gooseberries are used as a spring tonic to cleanse the system
[7].
The leaves have been used in the treatment of gravel[7]. An infusion taken before the monthly periods is said to be a useful tonic for growing girls[7].
The leaves contain tannin and have been used as an astringent to treat dysentery and wounds
[5].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months cold stratification at between 0 and 5°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible
[8][9]. Under normal storage conditions the seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10 - 15cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[10][8].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors
[10][11].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Ribes uva-crispa. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality
[12][11]. Growth is often poor in light soils, whilst heavy soils encourage soft growth and excess vigour
[11]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 to 6.5
[11], though it can grow well in more acid or alkaline soils[K]. It is important to add plenty of humus to chalky soil[K]. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position
[12]. They can be grown against east or north facing walls
[13]. The fruit of plants on north facing walls will ripen later, thus extending the fruiting season, though yields will be lower[K]. Plants dislike very hot weather
[13].
Dormant plants are hardy to about -20°c[11], but the flowers and young fruits are susceptible to frost damage
Plants are very susceptible to potash deficiency[2], especially when grown on alkaline soils[K].
Gooseberries are commonly cultivated in temperate regions for their edible fruit, there are many named varieties[14][11]. Birds love the fruit and so some protection is often required, especially if the fruit is being grown to full ripeness[K]. Plants grow best in cool moist climates such as N. Europe[11].
Plants fruit best on one and two year old wood so any pruning should be to encourage vigorous new shoots[11].
Plants can harbour a stage of white pine blister rust, so should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees
[15]. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus
[11].
Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Ribes uva-crispa. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Ribes uva-crispa.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Ribes uva-crispa
Imported References
Material uses & Functions
Uses
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
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References
-
? Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. (1986-00-00)
-
? 2.02.12.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
-
? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
-
? 4.04.1 Mabey. R. Food for Free. Collins ISBN 0-00-219060-5 (1974-00-00)
-
? 5.05.15.25.35.45.55.6 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
-
? 6.06.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
-
? 7.07.17.27.37.47.5 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
-
? 8.08.1 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
-
? Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 4. Thompson and Morgan. (1990-00-00)
-
? 10.010.1 Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co (1948-00-00)
-
? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.611.711.811.9 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
-
? 12.012.112.2 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
-
? 13.013.1 Thompson. B. The Gardener's Assistant. Blackie and Son. (1878-00-00)
-
? Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
-
? Arnberger. L. P. Flowers of the Southwest Mountains. Southwestern Monuments Ass. (1968-00-00)
-
? Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press (1962-00-00)
"image:Illustration Ribes uva-crispa0.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.