Ribes oxyacanthoides L.
Annotated by Charles F. Williams, 2014. Sources: IMF.

Idaho: Bonneville County: Palisades area. Lower Palisades Lake. Elev. 6193 ft.
43° 25.517' N, 111° 9.554' W
Uncertainty: 10 meters. Coordinate Source: GPS.
Located in rocky soil with moderate light. Stems armed. Flowers narrow-tubular. Fruit unarmed. Stamens=petals, style bifid, pilose.¶¶All Ribes berries are edible. Their flavor ranges from very sweet to tart. Traditionally these plants were used to treat coughs, sore throats, colds, and applied topically as an antiseptic and skin salve. There is some evidence that compounds found in these plants may be useful for treating mirgraines, menstrual cramps, and even cancers. A berry skin extract from Ribes berries has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of liver cancer in laboratory rats. Ribes plants contain an antiviral compound that prevents the entry of influenza viruses into healthy cells. In addition, influenza viruses in the study showed no resistant tendencies to the compound, but did show resistance to the control anti-viral, amantadine. Phenology: Fruits.

Ian Troester-Solbrig 42, Jul 14, 2013
IDS, Accession: 2016.001, Barcode: IDS0067892