Vern.: “Karan”

Erect aromatic shrub, up to 2 m tall. Young branches pubescent and resinous glandular. Leaves 2.5-10.5 cm long, 2.5-12 cm broad, base deeply cordate, almost glabrous, 2-5-lobed, coarsely inciso-crenate, basal nerves 3-5, petioles l.5-7 cm long, pubescent and resinous glandular. Racemes few flowered, pubescent, with a tuft of leaves at the base. Bracts longer than the petals, 2-3 mm long. Flowers bisexual, greenish yellow, 10-11 mm long, calyx tube 2 mm long, lobes 2 mm long, oblong, obtuse. Petals spathulate, 1 mm long. Stamens 1.5 mm long. Style divided nearly to the middle. Berries black, strongly aromatic, 1 cm in diameter.

Fl. Per.: June July.

Type: Described from Europe.

Distribution: Himalayas from 2300-4300 m. alt. s.m. N. Europe and N. Asia Cultivated and widely naturalized.

Black currant is edible and is used for making desserts, jams and cakes.