Ribes name to the popular blackcurrant cordial Ribena. The genus also includes the group of ornamental plants collectively known as the flowering currants, for instance "R. sanguineum". There are restrictions on growing some "Ribes" species in some U.S. states, as they are the main alternate host for white pine blister rust. Blackfoot Indians used blackcurrant root "(Ribes hudsonianum)" for the treatment of kidney diseases and menstrual and menopausal problems. Cree Indians used the fruit of "Ribes glandulosum" as a fertility enhancer to assist women in becoming pregnant. Currants are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species. Ribes
Ribes canthariforme Ribes canthariforme Ribes canthariforme is a rare North American species of currant known by the common name Moreno currant. The plant is native to southern California, having been found in San Diego County, California (Laguna Mountains and surrounding slopes) and in western Riverside County (Elsinore and San Jacinto Mountains). It is a member of the local chaparral plant community. The most recent estimates indicate that there are about 70 individual plants remaining. Most of these occur on land within Cleveland National Forest, and since there are few serious threats the species is not otherwise specifically protected. "Ribes canthariforme" is a