hooks into lowland forest canopy trees

Size
Length: 1000 cm
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Not applicable - autotrophic. Photosynthetic climber. Obtains nutrients from fertile, well-drained soils in partial shade.
Habitat
Lowland forests, forest margins, scrub and disturbed areas. Prefers fertile, well-drained soils with partial shade. Climbs trees using hooked thorns.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in lowland forests, forest margins and scrub. Also found on the Chatham Islands and in Australia.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is the primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. Competition from invasive exotic blackberry species.
Population
Populations are considered stable in remaining forest fragments. The species is common in lowland forests throughout New Zealand. Threatened by ongoing habitat loss.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
caution
Handling Note
recurved thorns cause nasty lacerations, wear long clothing near plants
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition, tataramoa was known for its thorns. The name taramoa means thorny or prickly. The berries were eaten fresh. The thorny stems were sometimes used as natural fencing to exclude pests from gardens. The plant was also used in traditional medicines. The aggressive, thorny growth was both respected and avoided. It was recognised as a useful plant for protecting other species, its thorns creating safe spaces for birds and young trees.
It does not let go. Rubus schmidelioides is commonly called bush lawyer. A plant that grabs and holds on. This climbing vine is armed with sharp, hooked thorns. The thorns catch on clothing and skin. They make the plant difficult to pass through. The name bush lawyer refers to the way the thorns grab anything that brushes against them. Like a lawyer who will not let go. The thorns are curved backwards. They allow the vine to climb by hooking onto branches and stems. A plant that turns its enemies into ladders. The leaves are compound. With three to five leaflets. The leaflets are oval or heart-shaped. With toothed margins and a pointed tip. The undersides of the leaves are pale and hairy. The flowers are white or pinkish. With five petals. They appear in spring and summer. They are followed by small, dark berries. These are edible and were eaten by Māori. The berries are sweet and juicy. With a flavour similar to raspberries. A plant that scratches, then rewards. Several similar species of native Rubus occur in New Zealand. All have hooked thorns and edible fruit. Rubus australis has leaves with three leaflets. Rubus cissoides has leaves with five leaflets. Both species are important food sources for birds. Which eat the berries and disperse the seeds. A plant that feeds the birds and scratches the people. The aggressive, thorny growth provides excellent protection for birds. It creates safe nesting sites away from predators. The dense thickets also provide shelter for insects, lizards, and other small animals. Tataramoa is an important component of regenerating forest. It helps to protect young trees from browsing animals. The forest edge is thick with tataramoa. Hooked thorns catching at clothes. Scratching at skin. The birds nest deep in the tangle. Safe from cats and rats. The berries ripen. Black and sweet. The birds eat. The seeds spread. The bush lawyer does not apologise for its thorns. It does not need to. The thorns are why the birds are safe. In Māori tradition, tataramoa was known for its thorns. The name taramoa means thorny or prickly. The berries were eaten fresh. The thorny stems were sometimes used as natural fencing to exclude pests from gardens. The plant was also used in traditional medicines. The aggressive, thorny growth was both respected and avoided. It was recognised as a useful plant for protecting other species. Its thorns creating safe spaces for birds and young trees.