Download Plant Biographies Bibliography Ribes glandulosum [Synonyms

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Ribes glandulosum
[Synonyms : Ribes prostratum, Ribes prostratum var. wisconsinum, Ribes resinosum, Ribes
rigens, Ribes ruizii]
SKUNK BLACKCURRANT is a prickly deciduous shrub. Native to eastern North America,
it has spikes of greenish-white or reddish-white flowers, and clusters of small edible,
translucent dark red berries.
It is also known as Fetid currant, Fetid gooseberry, Gadellier glanduleux (French), Gadellier
malodorant (French), and Skunk currant.
The bruised plant smells of skunk.
The flowers are primarily pollinated by bees.
The State of Michigan (USA) declares all Ribes plants to be noxious weeds.
Glandulosum is derived from Latin glanduli- (gland) meaning ‘glandular’.
The North American Indian Chippewa tribe used the root as an ingredient in a decoction
applied to ease back pain.
Skunk blackcurrant was first collected in Ladrador in 1784 by the botanist Sebastian Grauer
(1758-1820).
Some authorities suggest that the fruit can assuage hunger and quench thirst and are extremely
tasty when fresh.
A bitter-tasting tea has been made from the leaves – and the fruit have been eaten raw or
cooked.
The plant has been cultivated as an ornamental and as ground cover.