Gooseberry

a fruit-bearing shrub closely related to the currant, from which it differs in having a spiny stem and frequently spiny berries. The name is an English corruption of gorse berry. Our cultivated varieties are chiefly from England, though they are supposed to be native to North Asia. An effort is now being made to tame our native gooseberries. Were it not for its spines, the gooseberry would be more popular. Several of our wild gooseberries are smooth, but it must be acknowledged that our prickly fruit has a superior taste.