This species used to be considered to be part of Rubus moorei but is now considered to be distinct - a main difference is that the leaves of Rubus moorei are silky whilst in this species they are glossy[].

Common Name: Bush Lawyer

General Information

Rubus nebulosus is an evergreen, climbing shrub, producing a cluster of prickly, scrambling stems from a woody rootstock; the plant can climb into the tops of tall trees, scrambling over the ground to form obstructive tangles where no support is available[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Eastern Australia - Queensland, New South Wales

Habitat

Widespread in moister rainforest in coastal areas in New South Wales, rising to higher elevations towards the north of its range[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	10.00 m
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus nebulosus is native to the warm temperate and subtropical regions of eastern Australia. It is unlikely to succeed outdoors in colder regions of the temperate zone.
Prefers a moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil[, ]. Plants are shade tolerant when young, usually climbing through the vegetation to reach more sunlight.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit generally looks nicer than it tastes, but occasional delectable specimens can be found - superior taste is generally associated with heavier fruit production[]. The red, globose fruit is around 10mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - requires stratification and is best sown in early autumn in a cold frame. Stored seed requires one month stratification at about 3°c and is best sown as early as possible in the year. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a cold frame. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].
Tip layering in July. Plant out in autumn.
Division in early spring or just before leaf-fall in the autumn[].