The genus Rubus, (especially the blackberries, which are often loosely referred to as Rubus fruticosus agg.) presents some of the most difficult taxonomic problems. This is partly due to the frequency of polyploidy; also to the frequent occurrence of hybridization; and also due to apomixis, where minor differences between plants are preserved because seedlings are genetically identical to their parent. As a result, differences of opinion on the number of species to be recognized from a given region can vary tremendously (for example, a treatment by M. L. Fernald[] in 1950 recognized 205 species for the northern half of the eastern United States plus parts of southeastern Canada, whilst H. A. Gleason and A. Cronquist in 1991 recognized only 25)[]. Where possible, a relatively conservative approach is taken here[].

Common Name: Bush Lawyer

General Information

Rubus parvus is a low-growing, evergreen shrub with prostrate stems up to 1 metre long that are often partially subterranean, forming roots at the leaf nodes; the plant can form a mat of growth up to 10cm tall and 50cm or more wide[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental, where it makes an excellent ground cover.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - South Island.

Habitat

Lowland forest and river flats[]. Montane to alpine - often riparian , usually in damp, freely draining, open sites growing with other low shrubs and herbs.

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Rubus parvus is not reliably hardy outside the milder regions of the temperate zone, being damaged by prolonged frosts[, ].
Easily grown in a good well-drained loamy soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ].
This species is closely related to Rubus australis[].
The stems are thornless when they are mature[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].
Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, ]. A sweet flavour[]. The red fruit is about 25mm long[]. Probably the most palatable of the new Zealand species.

Sap[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A first rate ground cover plant for a sheltered position in full sun or partial shade[].

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[].