Found in the Western Himalayas from Pakistan to Nepal in rocky slopes in arid areas at 1,500-4, 100m, the wild rose (Rosa webbiana) is a deciduous shrug. The plant can grow to a height of 2m. It flowers in June and the seeds ripen from August to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees.
The fruit is up to 25 mm in diameter, but with only a thin layer of flesh around the seeds. This may be eaten raw or cooked. Care must be taken while eating, as there is a layer of hairs around the seeds just beneath the flesh of the fruit. These hairs can cause irritation to the mouth and digestive tract if ingested.
The seed is a good source of Vitamin E and can be ground into a powder and mixed with flour of added to other foods as a supplement. Watch out for the seed hairs again! The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamin's and minerals, especially in Vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bioactive compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is quite unusual for a fruit. The wild rose is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of caners.
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