The blackberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus of the rose family. Blackberry shrubs need ample sun and water for optimal development. Blackberries are an important commercial fruit crop, widely grown in all temperate regions of the world. What distinguishes the blackberry from its raspberry relatives is whether or not the torus (receptacle or stem) stays with the fruit. When picking a blackberry fruit, the torus stays with the fruit while with a raspberry, the torus remains on the plant, leaving a hollow core in the raspberry fruit.
Mexico is the leading producer of blackberries, with nearly the entire crop being produced for export into the off-season fresh markets in North America and Europe. In the US, Oregon is the leading commercial blackberry producer.