Botanical name:

Rubus parvus

Common name(s):

Creeping lawyer

About:

A prostrate plant that is particularly useful for ground-cover, especially in a dry and sunny situation, this species can be found from Nelson to Westland along riverbanks and similar habitats. It features long, narrow leaves that have prickly margins, giving the plant a distinct texture. As the colder months approach, the foliage takes on beautiful purplish tones in winter, enhancing its visual appeal. In the spring, small delicate white flowers appear, which are soon followed by attractive raspberry-like fruits that add to the plant's charm.

Natural habitat:

Montane to alpine - often riparian, usually in damp, freely draining, open sites growing with other low shrubs and herbs.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s South Islands

Height: 30cm

Flowering: 

November – January with a white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – April with a orange-red coloured fruit that looks similar to a raspberry

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Very easily grown from rooted pieces. An attractive scrambling plant for rockeries and an excellent ground cover in well-lighted situations. Prefers a damp, well-drained soil. The large fruits are perhaps the most palatable of the New Zealand indigenous Rubus. 

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