Botanical name:

Discaria toumatou

Common name(s):

Matagouri, Matakoura, T matakuru, Wild Irishman

About:

Matagouri is a distinctive tangle-branched, extremely thorny shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 5m tall. This resilient plant features small, leathery leaves that grow close to the formidable thorns, which are most abundant and noticeable during the vibrant spring season. The flowers of the Matagouri are quite tiny, appearing white and lacking any distinct petals, which makes them somewhat inconspicuous. Interestingly, it is recognised as the only native plant in New Zealand that possesses thorns. This species is commonly found in the eastern regions of South Island, as well as in several coastal locations across the North Island. In addition to its striking appearance, Matagouri, like other species within the Discaria genus, plays an essential role in fixing nitrogen in the soil. It often thrives in association with other native plants such as mingimingi (Coprosma propinqua), porcupine shrub, and various species of native brooms (Carmichaelia), creating a diverse ecosystem.

Natural habitat:

It is most common in tussock grassland, stony areas and river beds.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Coastal, Drought & free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands. In the North Island known from near Waiuku south to the southern Wairarapa and Wellington coastline. Very uncommon in the North Island. In the South Island mainly east of the main divide, appearing to avoid areas of high rainfall.

Height: 5m

Flowering:

October – January with a small white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December - March [Fruit: Orange]

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from seed. Can be grown from cuttings but these can be slow to strike. Rather variable, and some North Island sand dune forms are entirely prostrate, forming trailing shrubs. An excellent hedge plant, with the added bonus that this species fixes atmospheric nitrogen, making it available for other plants.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 2 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though