Blackcurrant, bramble
The blackcurrant plant is a shrub that grows up to 2m tall, bearing lobed leaves with serrated margins. Inconspicuous greenish flowers are borne in inflorescences that give rise to clusters of shiny black berries.
In the United Kingdom, cordial made from blackcurrant berries was once very popular.
Species information
Distribution: Europe, Central Asia, Himalayas
Habitat: Temperate shaded or sunny situations, often on poor, shallow soil.
Form: Shrub
Scientific name: Ribes nigrum L. (Saxifragaceae)
Blackcurrant fruits are eaten raw or cooked, and are a good source of Vitamin C. They are commonly made into jams or jellies, whilst fruit extracts are used to flavour herb teas. The fruits were once widely used for the treatment of colds, mouth and throat infections, circulatory problems, and against diarrhoea.
The seed oil is a source of unsaturated fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid, and has beneficial effects in mild hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis.
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