seeds of Rosa rubiginosa, Sweet Briar

Rosa rubiginosa, also known as sweet briar, is a plant species of the family Rosaceae. The plant’s synonyms include Chabertia rubiginosa, Laggeria eglanteria, and Rosa floribunda. Other names for the plant include sweetbriar rose, eglantine, and sweet brier. The plant has its origins in Western Asia and several parts of Europe. Naturalisation led to the plant’s extensive cultivation in Australia. Rosa rubiginosa can grow to a height of 2 to 3 metres. The plant is, however, capable is climbing to greater heights owing to the prickles on its stem which latch on to trees. The leaves are hairy, fragrant, have a toothed margin and occur in clusters. Moreover, the leaves are pinnate, rounded or ovular, and have a length of 5 to 9 cm. The flowers have white petals, a white base and a diameter of 1.8 to 3 cm. Fruits are spherical and have a diameter of 1 to 2 cm. The stem, seeds, fruits, and flowers of Rosa rubiginosa are edible. Fruits can either be cooked or used to make jelly. One, should, however, make sure to remove the hairs of the seeds given they can be harmful. Tea made from the fruit has a delicious fruity flavour. The petals of the plant can either be eaten raw or cooked. The white base of the petals can be quite bitter and one would be well advised to remove it. The petals are also an important ingredient in the making of confectionery. Young shoots are highly nutritious and one can eat them raw. The seeds have lots of vitamin E and can either be cooked or ground into a powder that is added to food or flour. Rosa rubiginosa is an ideal plant to grow if one is seeking a low hedge. It also provides the added benefit of security through its thorns.