Ribes mescalerium
Coville
Mescalero Currant
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(c) Christopher Nowakowski, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Christopher Nowakowski
What to Eat
Fruit - raw or cooked. Palatable. The black, globose fruit is 5 - 8mm in diameter. Mescalero currant (Ribes mescalerium) is a rare species endemic to central New Mexico. Its fruits are black, globe-shaped, and covered with glandular hairs. Although the berries were located during fieldwork, they were not sampled, so their flavor remains undocumented. Based on related species, they are expected to be edible but likely of average to low quality compared to other currants. Within its restricted homeland, the shrub is not endangered, but its distribution is confined to only a few mountain ranges. Like most currants, berries can be eaten fresh, cooked, or dried, though excessive consumption may cause nausea or vomiting.
Where to Find It
Southwestern N. America - New Mexico, northern Mexico
Native to: Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, New Mexico, Texas.
How to Identify
Ribes mescalerium is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
How to Grow
Species in this genus are generally easy to grow, preferring a position in the sun (where they fruit best) or moderate shade and succeeding in most moist but well-drained soils of at least moderate fertility. White pine blister rust, caused by the pathogen Cronartium ribicola, is a fungal disease that is native to Asia but has spread via human activity to many other regions, where it has become more virulent. It has a complex life-cycle that requires both currants (Ribes species) and white pines (Pinus species of the section Strobus) for the disease to spread. While Ribes species can generally live with the disease (it has an annual life cycle and infects the leaves only), Pinus species can be devastated by it (it becomes perennial and spreads through the tree). Young pines are far more susceptible than mature trees. In America the growing of certain Ribes species is banned in some areas in order to protect plantations of white pine species. Plants in this genus tend to be notably susceptible to honey fungus. USDA Hardiness & Weed Potential: Mescalero currant thrives in montane habitats of central New Mexico and is suited to USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8. It is a native, localized species and is not considered weedy or invasive.
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months of cold stratification at 0 - 9°c and should be sown as early in the year as possible. 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, mid summer in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, late autumn to late winter in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.
Names & Synonyms
Mescalero currant (Ribes mescalerium)
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