Origin: in Gainesville, Fla., by R.H. Sharpe and J.S. Shoemaker, Florida Agr. Expt. Sta. Introd. in 1958. F2 (Regal Ness × Rubus trivialis selection); selected in 1955; tested as Fla. 77. Tree: canes trailing, long, purplish-red, thorny; vigorous; evergreen; productivity high; adapted to hot, humid summers; winter-chilling requirement very short; free from double blossom disease; chromosome number, 2x = 14; flower size medium, petals white, tinged pink; self-sterile; recommended for central Florida home gardens and local markets. Fruit: large; oblong; drupelets fairly large; skin shiny black; flesh somewhat tart, softer than strawberries; juice very red; aroma delightful; very acceptable for pies, preserves, jellies; ripens very early, several days before Advance and Regal Ness, or about 1 month before local wild berries.
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