Batology

Batology is the study of of the genus Rubus, better known to most as brambles. In the most recent Flora of Great Britain and Ireland there are 354 microspecies of Rubus  described, identified using a key with 371 couplets (pairs of questions). With the exception of a few readily identifiable species, most botanists tend to lump brambles into Rubus fruticosus agg. So far I've never felt the urge to delve more deeply into the identities of our local brambles, but every now and then, when I see a bramble that is particularly distinctive, I think perhaps I ought to have a go. Perhaps something for retirement?