Botanical name:

Rubus cissoides

Common name(s):

Tātarāmoa, bush lawyer

About:

Tātarāmoa is a fascinating prickly vine characterised by its compound, leathery, and hairless leaves, which display distinctive serrated margins along the edges. The young stems of this remarkable plant are notably armed with sharp red prickles that can catch the eye. During the flowering season, beautiful flowers emerge, forming in much-branched clusters known as white panicles.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Usually in forest but also found in scrub, and on the margins of wetlands.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart Islands

Height: 3m

Flowering: 

September – November with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – April with a orange-red to red coloured fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Climber’s, Flowers & Container Friendly.

How to grow:

Easily grown from layered stems and semi-hardwood cuttings. Flourished when planted in damp ground in a well-lighted situation. Not often grown on account of its prickly stems - but nevertheless an attractive plant. The fruits though edible are lacking in flavour.

** 4 to 6 weeks cold stratification is recommended for seed.