Family: Rosaceae

Rubus sieboldii (Molucca raspberry, palmleaf dewberry) is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, including the Ryuku Islands. It is an ornamental plant seen in gardens and parks. It produces edible raspberries, which are high in antioxidants. Jams and jellies can be made from the berries. The leaves can also be used to make tea. It is reported to be naturalized on Kauaʻi and Hawaiʻi Island. Other species in the Rubus genera have proved to be problematic invasive weeds in the islands. Being covered in prickles it is unattractive to many browsing animals, and can form dense thickets that shade out other vegetation. This plant can also be spread by birds or other animals who consume its berries. For these reasons it is considered a high risk plant.

High Risk Traits:

• Grows in subtropical to temperate climates
  
• Naturalized on Hawaii and Kauai islands
  
• A disturbance weed with potential negative impacts to natural areas
  
• Other Rubus species have become invasive weeds
  
• Stems and leaves covered with prickles
  
• Unpalatable to browsing animals (prickles deter browsing)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms thickets & can potentially smother other vegetation
  
• Reproduces be seeds (at least within native range)
  
• Can hybridize with other Rubus species
  
• Able to spread vegetatively by root suckers & rhizomatous canes
  
• Seeds, when produced, dispersed by birds, mammals & intentionally by people
  
• Seeds, if produced, may persist in the soil
  
• Able to resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Non-toxic
  
• Seed production may be limited in the Hawaiian Islands, possibly minimizing long-distance dispersal