WildBristol.uk - Discovering Wildlife in Bristol

Found in heath plantation. A distinctive, slender, spindly, low-growing plant with purple prickles, plain smooth, papery leaves made up of 3 leaflets, and cup-shaped flowers. Looks as though its common name should be the 'Gruffalo Bramble' because of its purple prickles (like the Gruffalo's Back) and the fact it was found in a pine plantation. I would describe it with the name Rubus gruffaloensis.

R. eboracensis exists nearby and it possibly has something to do with that if it's a recent cross.