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Have you seen Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus)?

Maui County Priority Pest for Maui, Lanai, and Molokai:
If you see this priority pest fill out the online report form, go to a walk-in reporting location, or call in your sighting.


Rubus ellipticus leaf shape
Yellow Himalayan raspberry with leaf rounded edge
Rubus ellipticus stem detail
Yellow Himalayan raspberry stem
Rubus ellipticus flower
Yellow Himalayan raspberry flower

Identification: Yellow Himalayan raspberry is a rambling shrub that grows up to 7’ tall and is covered with prickles. It is the only raspberry that has light green oval leaves growing in a three leaflet pattern along the stem. The leaves average 2" to 3" long and have saw-like edges with rounded tips. The white fl owers are small (3 to 10 mm long) and are covered with prickles. Yellow Himalayan raspberry is also the only raspberry with yellow fruit (1” long).
Impacts: Yellow Himalayan raspberry spreads by vigorous vegetative growth as well as by birds and other mammals that eat the fruit. It is hard to kill once established.
Dispersal Mechanism: In Hawai‘i, Yellow Himalayan raspberry is spreading from the island of Hawai‘i to Maui as contaminants in hpu’u fern trunks and parts, such as mulch. Humans transport the plant long distances for use as an ornamental or as an edible crop. It can also be spread by birds and mammals that eat the fruit. Yellow Himalayan raspberry is a rambling raspberry bush that is out of control in forests on the island of Hawaii, and has been found in upcountry Maui (see map external link.)

Characteristics:
quick growth profuse reproduction easily spread by wind, water, animals spines, thorns, or agressive behavior adapted to diverse habitats profuse growth More information about this pest external link


Yellow Himalayan Raspberry look-alikes:


Blackberry (Rubus argutus):
Blackberry is the most widespread of the non-native raspberry/blackberry in Maui County. Blackberry has five petal WHITE FLOWERS with petals 13-20 mm long. The fruits turn BLACK at maturity and are 1.5-2 cm long.

Rubus argutus

Blackberry (Rubus argutus)

Akala (Rubus hawaiiensis):
The native Hawaiian raspberry can be distinguished by its pale prickle covered stalks and PINK FLOWERS. Akala is the only raspberry/blackberry that loses its leaves in the winter.

Rubus hawaiiensis

Akala (Rubus hawaiiensis)


Download this Yellow Himalayan Raspberry priority pest identification flyer PDF icon and share with your neighbors, friends, and family. Help keep Maui County free from new pests!


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Last Updated: Wednesday February 13 2008. If you have any questions about the Maui County Early Detection Reporting Tool contact reportapest-maui@hawaii.edu.