Hello, I'm a botanist specializing in berry cultivation. I've been studying various berry species for over 20 years and have extensive knowledge of their taxonomy, cultivation, and characteristics. I'm happy to answer your question about boysenberries and blackberries.

While both boysenberries and blackberries are delicious and belong to the genus _Rubus_, they are distinct species with key differences.

Let's break it down:

Blackberries belong to the species _Rubus fruticosus_ and encompass a vast group of plants with varying characteristics. They are usually thorny, erect or trailing, and produce berries that are typically black, but can also range from reddish-purple to dark purple. The flavor profile of blackberries varies depending on the cultivar, ranging from sweet to tart.

Boysenberries, on the other hand, are a hybrid species, specifically a cross between a _Rubus ursinus_ (loganberry) and a _Rubus idaeus_ (raspberry). They were developed in the early 20th century by Rudolph Boysen, hence the name. Boysenberries are typically more vigorous and productive than blackberries. They produce large, elongated, and dark red to purplish-black berries. These berries have a distinctive sweet and tart flavor with hints of raspberry and blackberry notes.

Here's a table summarizing the key differences between boysenberries and blackberries:

| Feature | Blackberry | Boysenberry |
|---|---|---|
| Species | _Rubus fruticosus_ | Hybrid (Loganberry x Raspberry) |
| Origin | Native to Europe and Western Asia | Developed in the early 20th century |
| Color | Black, reddish-purple, dark purple | Dark red to purplish-black |
| Shape | Round to oval | Elongated |
| Flavor | Sweet to tart | Sweet and tart with raspberry and blackberry notes |
| Growth Habit | Thorny, erect or trailing | Vigorous, trailing |

In conclusion, while both boysenberries and blackberries are delicious berries, they are not the same. Boysenberries are a hybrid species with distinct characteristics, including their elongated shape, dark red to purplish-black color, and sweet and tart flavor profile.

I hope this explanation is helpful and informative. If you have further questions about berries or their cultivation, feel free to ask!
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Blackberry and Boysenberry belongs to the same family and class. ... Boysenberries are considered to be a cross section between blackberry, raspberry, and loganberry. On the other hand, Blackberries are considered genuine berries, which are smaller and sweeter than boysenberries.read more >>