Matagouri

Botanical name: Discaria toumatou
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Matagouri, Matakoura, Tūmatakuru, Tūmatakuri, Tūturi, Wild Irishman

About:
Discaria toumatou is a distinctive, extremely thorny shrub or small tree endemic to New Zealand. Its tangled, zig-zagging branches, long green spines and small leathery leaves make it one of the country’s most recognisable dryland plants. Matagouri is exceptionally long-lived and slow growing, with some plants on undisturbed river terraces estimated to be more than 100 years old.

Natural habitat:
Occurs in dry open habitats including tussock grassland, stony river terraces, braided riverbeds, shrubland, coastal sand dunes, rocky ground and occasionally subalpine scrub.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is highly tolerant of frost, drought, wind, exposure, sandy soils, stony ground and relatively infertile conditions. It may also grow in heavier soils if drainage is adequate.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. It is widespread in the South Island, particularly east of the main divide, but generally avoids areas of very high rainfall. In the North Island it is now uncommon and occurs in scattered localities from near Waiuku south to the southern Wairarapa and Wellington coast.

Height:
Usually 1–5 m, occasionally reaching approximately 6 m

Width:
Up to 3–5 m

Flowering:
October–December

Fruiting:
January–March

Uses:
• Dryland and river terrace restoration
• Shelter and defensive hedging
• Habitat for native insects
• Soil improvement through nitrogen fixation
• Revegetation of nutrient-poor sites
• Traditional tattooing tools

Appearance:
Growth habit:
A dense, tangled, divaricating shrub or small tree with numerous flexible, interlacing branches. Some coastal forms are completely prostrate and spread along the ground.

Bark:
Grey to grey-brown, rough and broken into small square or irregular plates on older stems.

Branches and spines:
The branches form a characteristic zig-zag pattern and bear sharp green spines up to about 5 cm long. These spines become grey with age and distinguish matagouri from most other New Zealand native shrubs.

Leaves:
Small, dark glossy green, leathery leaves approximately 10–20 mm long. They arise singly or in small clusters near the bases of the spines and may be shed during cold or dry periods.

Flowers:
Tiny, fragrant white to greenish-white flowers are produced near the leaf bases. They lack true petals, with four or five triangular sepals forming the visible flower.

Fruit:
A small, dry, green to brown capsule divided into three rounded sections. When mature, the capsule opens forcefully and projects the seeds away from the parent plant.

Ecology:
Matagouri forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Frankia within nodules on its roots. This enables it to establish in nutrient-poor soils and enrich the surrounding ground, helping other native plants regenerate. Its dense thorny growth also provides valuable shelter and nesting protection for native birds, lizards and invertebrates.

Associated habitats:
Short tussock grassland, dry woodland, braided riverbeds, alluvial terraces, rocky shrubland, coastal dunes and subalpine scrub. Associated plants may include mingimingi, porcupine shrub, native broom, kōwhai, narrow-leaved lacebark, silver tussock and creeping pōhuehue.

How to grow:
Plant in an open, sunny position with excellent drainage. Matagouri tolerates difficult conditions once established but should be kept free from competing vegetation while young. Allow plenty of space for its broad, thorny branches and avoid planting close to paths or frequently used areas.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from seed. Fresh seed may germinate more successfully following suitable pre-treatment or natural weathering. It can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings, although these are often slow and unreliable to strike.

Cultural use:
The sharp spines were traditionally used by Māori as tattooing implements when more suitable tools were unavailable. The common name matagouri and the botanical name toumatou are derived from Māori names such as tūmatakuru.

Garden value:
An excellent specialist native for dry, exposed landscapes, restoration projects and defensive hedges. Its tangled silver-grey branches, bright green spines and small white flowers create strong visual character, while its ability to fix nitrogen makes it especially valuable for restoring degraded dryland habitats.