Ribes malvaceum, the chaparral currant, is a gooseberry species native to the Californias.
Ribes malvaceum is a perennial shrub that typically grows to tall. It lacks the characteristic nodal spines which are demonstrated on the stems of many other members in the genus. The leaf blades are across, 3âÂÂ5-lobed, glandular-hairy, and toothed.
Inflorescences are 10âÂÂ25 flowered and open, occurring October to April in native range. The hypanthium is pink, , and about twice as long as wide. The sepals are pink-purple in color and 4âÂÂ6 mm. Petals are 2âÂÂ3 mm and can range in color from pink shades to white. The flower also contains two fused styles which are fused to the tip and have a hairy base.
Striking glaucous purple berries are produced. The fruit is 6âÂÂ7 mm, glandular and covered by white hairs, with a bland but palatable taste.
There are several varieties of R. malvaceum:
It is native to California and northern Baja California, where it occurs from sea level to , in chaparral, foothill oak woodland, and closed-cone pine forest habitats.
Pollination ecologists have reported the plant important as a honey plant for attracting large numbers of native bees.
Ribes malvaceum is cultivated as an ornamental plant by specialty plant nurseries. It is used in traditional gardens, native plant landscapes, and as bird food source in habitat gardens. It thrives under oaks in bright dry conditions, and in many other locations.