Discaria toumatou

Māori name: tūmatakuru

Common name: Matagouri

Botanical name (authority): Discaria toumatou Raoul

Matagouri (Discaria toumatou) is a dense, thorny shrub with grey-green zigzag branches and small clusters of inconspicuous flowers. It often forms impenetrable thickets.

This plant thrives in dry, open areas, well-drained soils, and can tolerate poor and rocky conditions.

Growth rate	Moderate
Height at maturity	2–4 m
Propagation and planting tips	Propagate from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings; seeds may benefit from scarification.
Ecological values	Provides habitat and protection for birds and insects; stabilises soil.
Conservation status	Not threatened (NZPCN)
Benefit for on-farm planting situations	Useful for erosion control, stock shelter, and establishing native biodiversity corridors.

References:

NZPCN: https://www.nzpcn.org.nz