Have you seen Yellow Himalayan Raspberry (Rubus ellipticus)?
Hawaii Early Detection Network Priority Pest for the islands of Maui, Lanai, Molokai, and Kauai


Rubus ellipticus leaf shape
Yellow Himalayan raspberry
with rounded leaf 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 15-20 feet tall and is covered with stout prickles. It is the only raspberry with light green heart-shaped leaves growing in a three-leaflet pattern. The leaves average 2" to 3" long and have saw-like edges with rounded tips. The white flowers are small (3 to 10 mm wide) and are covered in bristly hairs. 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: Yellow Himalayan raspberry is spreading as a contaminant in hapu'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. If you see it anywhere else on Maui or Kauai let someone know!

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)

Last Updated: . If you have any questions about the Hawaii Early Detection Network contact [email protected].