Bush Lawyer
Rubus schmidelioides
Rubus schmidelioides, commonly known as Bush Lawyer, White-leaved Lawyer, tātarāmoa, or akatātarāmoa, is a distinctive climbing plant species endemic to New Zealand. This deciduous shrub or liana can extend up to 10 meters, either climbing through existing vegetation or forming dense, sprawling bushes when support is unavailable. Its notable features include thorny stems, compound leaves with variable undersides, and small, edible berries. Renowned for its resilience and ability to thrive in diverse environments, Bush Lawyer contributes significantly to the undergrowth and provides habitat for native fauna. Understanding this plant contributes to the appreciation of our rich biodiversity and heritage, and supports conservation efforts for Native Climbers.
Plant Description
Rubus schmidelioides is a robust, deciduous climbing plant native to New Zealand, recognized for its formidable thorny stems and variable foliage. As a liana, it can reach lengths of up to 10 meters, often ascending through the forest understory with the aid of its sharp prickles, or forming dense, impenetrable thickets when unsupported. The intertwining branchlets and long, tapering stems can grow quite thick. Its compound leaves typically consist of 3-5 glossy leaflets, ranging in colour from orange to green/brown. These leaflets are leathery, dark green to bronze-green on their upper surface (which can be somewhat wrinkled), and distinctively glaucous to white and finely tomentose (hairy) on the underside. The margins are coarsely and often unevenly serrated. Small, white or cream-coloured flowers bloom in spring (September to November) in panicles up to 100 mm long, followed by yellow or orange berries (December to April), which, while edible, are often described as insipid. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants, with pollination facilitated by insects.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Rubus schmidelioides |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 10 metres (Climbing) |
| Spread | Sprawling, indefinite when climbing |
| Water Needs | Moderate; prefers moist conditions |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High |
| Salt Tolerance | High (coastal tolerant) |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Perennial (deciduous shrub/liana) |
Climate Best Suited to
Rubus schmidelioides is a highly adaptable plant, thriving across a wide range of climates throughout New Zealand's North, South, and Stewart Islands. Its natural habitat includes lowland and montane forests, as well as adjacent scrublands. It demonstrates remarkable tolerance to adverse conditions, including frost, sun, drought, and wind, and is also coastal tolerant. While it prefers moist, well-drained soil, its robust nature allows it to adapt to less ideal conditions, making it a resilient species suitable for many New Zealand gardens.
Regional Suitability
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Auckland | Highly Suitable |
| Wellington | Highly Suitable |
| Christchurch | Highly Suitable |
| Dunedin | Highly Suitable |
| Nelson | Highly Suitable |
| Tauranga | Highly Suitable |
Plant Habitat
The natural habitat of Rubus schmidelioides spans diverse ecosystems across New Zealand, from coastal areas to lowland and montane forests and their fringes. It is frequently found in regenerating scrublands and forest edges, where its climbing habit allows it to ascend through supporting vegetation, reaching for light. When no support is available, it readily forms dense, sprawling bushes. Its adaptability to various conditions, including exposure to wind and coastal environments, highlights its role as a hardy pioneer species in many disturbed or marginal habitats, contributing to ecological succession and biodiversity.
Plant Conservation
Rubus schmidelioides is a widespread and common species throughout New Zealand and is currently classified as "Not Threatened." Its robust nature and ability to colonize a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas, contribute to its stable population status. While not facing immediate conservation concerns, its ecological role in providing habitat and food sources for native fauna underscores the importance of maintaining healthy forest and scrubland ecosystems where it naturally occurs. Its resilience serves as a reminder of the strength of many native New Zealand plants.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Rubus schmidelioides is highly adaptable to a range of soil types, reflecting its widespread distribution across various New Zealand environments. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate less ideal conditions, including mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline substrates. Its robust root system enables it to establish in rocky or sandy soils, demonstrating good resilience.
- Prefers moist, well-drained soils.
- Tolerates a wide range of soil pH (mildly acid to mildly alkaline).
- Adapts to various soil compositions, including rocky and sandy types.
- Good drainage is beneficial to prevent root diseases.
Light Requirements
This species is versatile regarding light conditions, growing happily in full sun or partial shade. In its natural climbing habit, it often seeks out brighter light as it ascends through the canopy. While it can handle direct, full sun, some afternoon shade might be beneficial in hotter, drier climates to conserve moisture.
- Thrives in full sun for robust growth and flowering.
- Tolerates partial shade, especially in warmer regions.
- Adaptable to a range of light exposures in a garden setting.
Water Requirements
Rubus schmidelioides has moderate water needs. It prefers consistently moist soil, particularly during establishment and prolonged dry periods. However, it demonstrates notable drought tolerance once mature, reflecting its ability to grow in diverse environments, including exposed scrublands. Regular watering will promote more vigorous growth.
- Moderate water needs; prefers consistently moist soil.
- Drought-tolerant once established.
- Requires more frequent watering in hot, sunny, or windy conditions.
Planting Guide
When planting Rubus schmidelioides, choose a location that can accommodate its vigorous climbing or sprawling habit. Provide a sturdy support structure like a strong trellis, fence, or a robust host plant if you intend for it to climb. Alternatively, allow it to sprawl as a dense groundcover in larger areas. Prepare the soil by ensuring it is moist and well-drained. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth. Carefully place the plant, backfill with soil, gently firming around the base, and water thoroughly. Due to its thorny nature, consider its placement carefully to avoid high-traffic areas.
Ecological Role
Rubus schmidelioides plays a significant ecological role in New Zealand's native ecosystems. As a vigorous climber or sprawling shrub, it contributes to the structural complexity of forests and scrublands, creating dense thickets that offer valuable shelter and protection for small birds and invertebrates from predators. Its leaves are a food source for some native insects, and its flowers, rich in nectar and pollen, attract a variety of pollinators. The fruits, while somewhat insipid to humans, are an important seasonal food for native birds, aiding in seed dispersal and contributing to the regeneration of native vegetation.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
Despite its thorny nature, Rubus schmidelioides can be a valuable addition to larger native gardens, particularly in informal or wilder areas where its natural form can be appreciated. It is excellent for screening unsightly fences or walls, creating impenetrable barriers, or providing a robust groundcover on banks for erosion control. Its resilience and adaptability make it suitable for challenging sites where other plants might struggle. When used with appropriate planning, it offers unique texture, seasonal interest with its flowers and fruits, and provides significant ecological benefits.
- Effective for naturalistic plantings and revegetation projects.
- Provides dense screening or can be used as a robust groundcover.
- Excellent for erosion control on banks and slopes.
- Attracts native birds with its seasonal fruits.
Known by its Māori names tātarāmoa and akatātarāmoa, Rubus schmidelioides has a long-standing cultural presence in New Zealand. The common name "Bush Lawyer" refers to its thorny stems which readily entangle those who venture off-track, metaphorically "holding you up" like a lawyer. While not extensively used for traditional crafts due to its prickles, its fruits were occasionally consumed, and a purple to dull blue dye could be extracted from them. It is also valued in Mātauranga Māori for its ecological role within the forest.
- Known by traditional Māori names tātarāmoa and akatātarāmoa.
- Fruits were a minor food source, and a dye could be extracted.
- Integral to Māori understanding of forest ecosystems.
Ecological Value
Ecologically, Rubus schmidelioides is a powerhouse in native New Zealand habitats. Its dense, thorny growth provides excellent protective cover for small birds and insects, guarding them from predators. As a climbing plant, it contributes significantly to the structural diversity of forests. The flowers provide nectar and pollen for various native insects, while its fruits are a vital food source for many native bird species, thereby playing a role in seed dispersal and ecosystem health. It helps in the natural regeneration of native bush by creating sheltered microclimates.
- Provides critical habitat and protective cover for native fauna.
- Flowers are a source of nectar and pollen for native insects.
- Fruits are an important food source for native birds, aiding seed dispersal.
Cultural Significance
This plant contributes to the rich tapestry of New Zealand's native flora, known collectively as Te Wao Nui a Tāne. While specific traditional uses may vary or be less documented for some smaller species, all native plants are considered taonga (treasures) and possess a mauri (life force).
They are integral to the cultural landscape, featuring in local biodiversity and often indicating the health of the environment.
Landscaping Uses
In landscaping, Rubus schmidelioides is best suited for larger, more informal native plantings or restoration projects where its robust growth and thorny nature can be managed. It excels as a screen plant, rapidly covering fences, banks, or old structures. Its ability to withstand diverse conditions makes it ideal for challenging sites, including coastal and windy areas, where it can provide excellent erosion control. When allowed to ramble, it creates dense, wildlife-friendly thickets. Careful placement is key to utilize its benefits without its prickles becoming a nuisance.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
As new growth emerges, inspect the plant for any dead or damaged canes from winter and prune them out. This is also a good time for formative pruning to guide its growth or to initiate propagation from division. Ensure adequate moisture as temperatures rise.
- Remove dead or damaged canes.
- Perform formative pruning for desired shape.
- Initiate propagation through division or cuttings.
Summer
Maintain consistent moisture, especially during dry spells, to support its vigorous growth. Monitor for any signs of pest or disease, though generally resilient. Allow flowers to develop into berries, providing food for birds.
- Ensure consistent watering, particularly in dry conditions.
- Monitor for pests or diseases.
- Allow berries to ripen for wildlife.
Autumn
Fruiting typically occurs, offering berries for native birds. As the plant is deciduous, foliage may begin to change colour before dropping. This is a good time to collect seeds for propagation, after they have ripened.
- Harvest seeds for propagation.
- Prepare for dormancy as foliage drops.
Winter
During its deciduous dormancy, minimal care is required. Ensure the root zone is protected, especially in areas prone to severe frost, though the plant is generally frost tolerant. Consider any major structural pruning or removal of unwanted growth during this period.
- Minimal care during dormancy.
- Major structural pruning can be done while dormant.
- Protect root zone in very cold areas.
When to Prune and How Much
Pruning Rubus schmidelioides is primarily undertaken to manage its vigorous growth, maintain its shape, or remove unwanted or dead material. Due to its thorny nature, protective gloves and clothing are essential.
- **Late Winter to Early Spring (Dormancy):** This is the best time for significant structural pruning, including thinning out dense growth, removing any dead or damaged canes, or cutting back to control size. This timing minimizes stress on the plant before new growth begins.
- **After Flowering/Fruiting (Summer/Autumn):** Light trimming can be done to tidy up the plant or contain its spread. If you wish to harvest berries, prune after they have ripened. Avoid heavy pruning in late autumn, as new growth stimulated by pruning may be vulnerable to early frosts.
- **Removal of Invasive Growth:** Regularly check for and remove any unwanted shoots or suckers that emerge outside of the desired growing area to prevent it from becoming overly invasive.
Always use sharp, clean secateurs or loppers to make clean cuts, preventing damage and disease. Be mindful of its prickles and plan your cuts carefully.
How to Grow Bush Lawyer
From Seed
Propagating Rubus schmidelioides from seed requires patience and attention to certain conditions to break dormancy. Seeds should be collected from ripe fruits in autumn. They typically benefit from a period of cold stratification to mimic natural winter conditions, often involving a month or more at around 3°C (37°F). After stratification, sow the seeds in a well-draining seed-raising mix, lightly covering them. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. Germination can be slow and irregular, sometimes taking several months. Sowing fresh seeds in early autumn outdoors can allow nature to handle the stratification process.
- Collect ripe seeds from fruits in autumn.
- Perform cold stratification (e.g., 1 month at 3°C).
- Sow seeds in moist, well-draining mix, lightly covered.
- Maintain consistent moisture and bright, indirect light.
- Be patient; germination can be slow and sporadic.
Ensure fresh seeds are used for best results, as viability decreases over time.
From Cuttings
Rubus schmidelioides can be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during summer. Select healthy, vigorous stems that have begun to harden but are not fully woody. Take cuttings approximately 10-15 cm long, making a cut just below a node. Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and insert into a well-draining potting mix. Provide high humidity (e.g., with a plastic bag cover) and consistent moisture. Rooting typically occurs within a few weeks to a couple of months.
- Take 10-15 cm semi-hardwood cuttings in summer.
- Remove lower leaves; dip in rooting hormone.
- Insert into well-draining potting mix.
- Maintain high humidity and consistent moisture.
- Keep in a warm, bright location away from direct sun.
Additional Methods
Other effective propagation methods include tip layering and division, ideally performed in early spring or autumn.
- **Tip Layering:** Bend a lower branch to the ground, bury a section of it, leaving the tip exposed. Roots will form at the buried nodes. Once well-rooted, sever from the parent plant.
- **Division:** For sprawling plants, sections of rooted stems can be carefully separated from the main plant and replanted. This is particularly easy for plants that naturally root at their nodes.
Pests & Diseases
Rubus schmidelioides is generally a hardy and resilient native plant with good resistance to most common pests and diseases. However, like many species within the Rubus genus, it can be susceptible to honey fungus (Armillaria mellea), particularly if grown in areas with poor drainage or where the fungus is prevalent. Maintaining healthy soil conditions and good air circulation can help minimize risks. No specific insect pests are typically problematic for this species in New Zealand. Ensure plant health through proper siting and care to maximize its natural resistance.
Bonus Tip
When planting Bush Lawyer in a garden setting, consider using it as a natural barrier or privacy screen along property lines where its formidable thorns can be a benefit. Plant it where it has ample space to climb or sprawl, and ensure it has a sturdy support system to prevent it from overwhelming less vigorous plants. Its dense growth provides excellent wildlife habitat, making it a valuable choice for ecological gardens.
