The genus Rubus have significant economic value, with southwest China considered as a key distribution center for these species. However, the status of wild Rubus resources in this region remains largely unexplored. In this study, the Rubus resources in southwest China were investigated by field studies, specimen examination and literature review. Additionally, the study preliminarily addressed the collection, preservation and medicinal potential of Rubus resources in southwest China. The results showed that there were 142 Rubus species and 69 varieties in southwest China, among which 47 species were endemic and 40 varieties. There were 22 species and one variety with medicinal value, while five species are suitable for use as breeding materials or for introduction and domestication in the high altitude area of northwest Yunnan. These Rubus resources are found across a wide range of altitudes, from 300 to 4300 m.This study systematically presented the distribution, life type, habitat type, botanical characteristics and genetic diversity of Rubus species, which provided foundational data for the future development and genetic breeding of Rubus resources.