Commonly called bush lawyer. A plant that grabs and does not let go. This climbing vine is armed with sharp, hooked thorns. The thorns catch on clothing and skin, making the plant difficult to pass through. The name bush lawyer refers to the way the thorns grab and hold onto anything that brushes against them, like a lawyer who will not let go. The thorns are curved backwards, allowing 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, appearing in spring and summer. They are followed by small, dark berries that 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 with hooked thorns and edible fruit. Rubus australis has leaves with three leaflets, while 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, creating 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, helping 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.