Botanical name:

Rubus schmidelioides

Common name(s):

Tātarāmoa, bush lawyer, white-leaved lawyer

About:

Rubus schmidelioides is a climbing vine that is endemic to the unique ecosystems of New Zealand. This fascinating plant showcases backwards-pointing prickles on its stems and twigs, which serve a functional purpose by aiding its ability to climb up and around nearby shrubs and trees. Adapted to thrive in various habitats, it can be found in both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand, particularly in lowland and montane forests as well as in adjacent shrublands. Notably, this species is much smaller in size when compared to its relative, Rubus cissioides, which shares similar characteristics but differs in overall dimensions.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane in scrub and forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Shade, Coastal & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island (from about Hikurangi - Dargaville South), South and Stewart Islands

Height: 10m

Flowering: 

September – November with a cream - white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

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

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Forests

How to grow:

Easily grown from layered stems and semi-hardwood cuttings. Flourishes 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 not very flavourful.

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