| Rosa multiflora | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Rosa |
| Species: | R. multiflora |
| Binomial name | |
| Rosa multiflora | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Rosa multiflora (syn.Rosa polyantha)[2] is a species ofrose known commonly asmultiflora rose,[3]baby rose,[3]Japanese rose,[3]many-flowered rose,[3]seven-sisters rose,[3]Eijitsu rose andrambler rose. It is native to easternAsia, inChina,Japan, andKorea. It should not be confused withRosa rugosa, which is also known as "Japanese rose", or withpolyantha roses which are garden cultivars derived from hybrids ofR. multiflora. It was introduced to North America, where it is regarded as aninvasive species.
It is a scramblingshrub climbing over other plants to a height of 3–5 m (9 ft 10 in – 16 ft 5 in), with stout stems with recurvedprickles (sometimes absent). Theleaves are 5–10 cm (2–4 in) long, compound, with 5–9 leaflets and feathered stipules. Theflowers are produced in largecorymbs, each flower small, 1.5–4 cm (5⁄8–1+5⁄8 in) diameter, white or pink, borne in early summer. Thehips are reddish to purple,6–8 mm (15⁄64–5⁄16 in) diameter.
Plants of the World Online andFlora of China[4] include the varieties:
Rosa multiflora is grown as anornamental plant and also used as arootstock forgrafted ornamental rosecultivars.
In easternNorth America,Rosa multiflora is considered aninvasive species. It was originally introduced from Asia as asoil conservation measure, as a natural hedge to border grazing land, and to attract wildlife. It is readily distinguished from American native roses by its largeinflorescences, which bear multiple flowers and hips, often more than a dozen, while the American species bear only one or a few on a branch.[citation needed]
In some regions the plant is classified as anoxious weed.[5] In grazing areas, it is generally considered to be a serious pest, though it is considered excellent fodder forgoats.[citation needed]
In Japan, the achene fruits ofRosa multiflora (referred to as "Eijitsu" or "Rosae fructus") has been utilized all over the world in traditional medicine historically and clinical practices to treat constipation.[6] The hips of the plant are edible and can be used to make tea or medicine.[7]
The targeted removal of multiflora rose often requires an aggressive technique, such as the full removal of the plant in addition to the root structure. Pruning and cutting back of the plant often leads to re-sprouting. Two natural biological controls include therose rosette disease and the rose seed chalid (Megastigmus aculeastus var.nigroflavus).[8] Patches of introduced multiflora rose inPennsylvania are displaying symptoms of rose rosette disease, which can lead to decline and death.[9]
.jpg)
