Ribes magellanicum — Edible Plant Database

What to Eat

Edible parts: Fruit

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked and has a very agreeable flavour.

Where to Find It

It is a subtropical plant. In Chile it grows at low altitudes. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. It can tolerate some frost and snow. It grows in humid areas with constant rain. It can grow in some shade. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level.

Argentina, Australia, Chile*, Falklands, South America,

Countries: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

How to Identify

A tall shrub. It grows 1.8-2.4 m high and spreads 1.8 m wide. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves have 3-5 lobes. The flowers are creamy yellow and hang on clusters. The fruit are red-black.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Fruit	—	—	—	—	111.6	—	—	—

How to Grow

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. It is likely to be wind or even maritime wind resistant. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a moisture retentive but well-drained loamy soil of at least moderate quality. Plants are quite tolerant of shade though do not fruit so well in such a position. Plants can harbour a stage of 'white pine blister rust', so they should not be grown in the vicinity of pine trees. Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus.

Propagation: Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 3 months of cold stratification at 0–5°C and should be sown as early in the year as possible. Under normal storage conditions, seed can remain viable for 17 years or more. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, grow on in a cold frame for their first winter, then plant out in late spring the following year. Take cuttings of half-ripe wood, 10–15cm with a heel, in July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, preferably with a heel of the previous year's growth, can be taken November to February in a cold frame or sheltered bed outdoors.

Medicinal Uses

Used as a stomachic.

Other Uses

None known.

Wikipedia

Source ↗

Ribes magellanicum is a South American species of shrubs in the currant family, native to Patagonia (southern Chile and Argentina). The fruits can be consumed fresh, in preserves and in syrups, have been described to have a pleasant flavor and sweet taste, and to harbour a phenolic compound profile and antioxidant activity with potential for nutraceutical development. Two subspecies are accepted: Ribes magellanicum subsp. magellanicum Ribes magellanicum subsp. parviflorum Sparre

Notes

There are about 150 Ribes species. It is rich in antioxidants.

Names & Synonyms

Mulul, Parrilla, Uvilla, Zarzaparrilla

References (14)

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