Bush lawyer

Scientific name: Rubus australis, R. cissoides
Maori name: Tataramoa
English name: Bush lawyer, swamp lawyer

Pioneer Vine or creeper - native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, partial shade, sunny, shelter, coastal forest garden, small garden or balcony, wetlands and water features

About Bush lawyer

A vigorous and prickly vine, so strong that it could possibly hold the large moa, which the maori name tataramoa literally means. Long narrow toothed, pointed leaflets in each leaf on prickle covered twigs grasping to surrounding environment to help it climb up to the canopy. The steam can grow up to 15 meters in good locations with 10 cm thick in places. Masses of white flowers are produced in a large loose spray to 60cm long with male and female on separate plants with flowering mostly occuring between September and November. The edible sweet rasberry looking fruit is followed in November to April ranging from orange to red and is very popular with native birds like tui and kereru.

Tolerant of most soils and exposure.

Great to plant around your property, under windows etc to stop or discourage unwanted intruders.

Provides for birds