Rusty-haired Raspberry (Rubus reflexus) is a wild berry plant common in Asian regions, belonging to the genus Rubus under the family Rosaceae. Mainly distributed across Southern China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Southeast Asia, it is frequently spotted on hillsides, forest edges, or roadsides. The plant derives its name from the rust-colored velvety hairs covering its stems and the undersides of its leaves. Its fruits are red or orange-red, resembling small strawberries, with a sweet and tart flavour, and are edible. Beyond serving as a wild fruit, Rusty-haired Raspberry holds medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is often used to clear heat, detoxify, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain. The Hairy Raspberry (Rubus hirsutus, also known locally as She-pao-le) is another species in the genus Rubus, similarly widespread across Asia. Its colloquial Chinese name stems from folklore claiming that snakes often coil around the fruits, though this lacks scientific basis. The stems of the Hairy Raspberry are heavily armed with fine prickles, and its pinnately compound leaves feature serrated margins. Its aggregate fruits turn red when ripe, offering a sweet taste loved by birds and humans alike. In folk remedies, its roots and leaves are also used medicinally for clearing heat, promoting diuresis, invigorating blood, and dispersing stasis.
