Shrubs, evergreen, forming dense thickets; rhizomatous, rhizomes relatively long. Stems climbing, 20–75(–100) dm; distal branches glabrous, eglandular; infrastipular and internodal prickles paired or single, curved or hooked, ± flattened, stout. Leaves persistent, 4–8 cm, leathery; stipules caducous, ± free from petiole, margins fimbriate, some teeth gland-tipped; leaflets 3(–5), terminal: petiolule 9–13 mm, blade ovate-elliptic or -lanceolate, 40–65 × 30–40 mm, abaxial surfaces glabrous, eglandular, adaxial lustrous. Inflorescences 1(or 2)-flowered. Pedicels erect, stout, 12–30 mm, glabrous, eglandular, setae apical or absent; bracts caducous, 0 or 1(or 2), margins serrate, most teeth gland-tipped. Flowers 5.5–8(–10) cm diam.; hypanthium cupulate, densely setose, eglandular; sepals ± persistent, erect, lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, 18–35 × 4 mm, margins entire, abaxial surfaces glabrous or sparsely pubescent, stipitate-glandular; petals single, usually white, rarely rose; carpels 45–50, styles free, glabrous or pilose, hypanthium orifice 1.5–2 mm diam., hypanthial disc conic, 6–8 mm diam. Hips dark red, ovoid to oblong, 20–35 × 9–20 mm, glabrous, densely setose (with age only setae remnants), eglandular; sepals tardily deciduous, spreading to reflexed. Achenes basiparietal.

Distribution

Asia, introduced also in West Indies, s Africa, Atlantic Islands, Pacific Islands.

Discussion

Species 1.

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Rosa laevigata