Rubus chamaemorus (cloudberry)

Remains of cloudberry have been found in medieval deposits in Bergen. The first written account of the species is found in 'Rariorum plantarum historia' by Clusius from 1601. His source is Henrik Høyer in Bergen who sent him fruit of cloudberry in 1593, and the plant itself a few years later. Clusius wrote of the cloudberry's fantastic effect against scurvy, and the news led to a large export of from northern Norway via Bergen, especially to Denmark and Germany.

The picture is from 'Det første forsøk på Norges naturlige historie' ('The first attempt at Norway's natural history') from 1752–53 by bishop of Bergen, Erik Pontoppidan.

Return to Bergen's plants.