Research Paper

Volume 10

Notes on the ecology of the invasive Himalayan wineberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm.) in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand

Amy Gwynne, Campbell J. James, Diane L. Fraser, Jemma Owen, Peter J. de Lange*

Affiliation:
School of Environmental and Animal Sciences, Unitec, Private Bag 92025, Victoria St West,
Auckland 1145, New Zealand.
* corresponding author: pdelange@unitec.ac.nz

Received: 8 August 2025 | Accepted: 24 September 2025 | Published: 23 October 2025
Senior Editor: Dan J. Blanchon
https://doi.org/10.34074/pibs.01001

Download PDF

Abstract:
The invasive Himalayan wineberry, Rubus ellipticus (Franch.) Focke (Rosaceae), indigenous to the Himalayan region of Asia, was first recorded in Albany in northern Aotearoa / New Zealand in 2019. This plant has caused significant issues in other regions, such as the Hawaiian Islands and Australia, raising concerns about its potential impact in Aotearoa. Here, we report on the spread and ecology of Himalayan wineberry in the Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland region. To understand this species, we conducted surveys within and around the known sites in Albany, a suburb of Auckland City. The survey sites we visited were those set by Auckland Council, as per designated polygons based on predicted occurrences from a previous council survey with transects spaced 10 metres apart. Field data found higher numbers of seedlings compared to adult plants, suggesting that the species is in an active phase of spread. Plants were also predominantly found in disturbed areas in association with other invasive plants, indicating it struggles to grow in remnant indigenous forests. Given Himalayan wineberry’s spread in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, there is an opportunity for early intervention to prevent further establishment and potential ecological impacts in Aotearoa / New Zealand more widely.

Cite as
Gwynne, A., James, C. J., Fraser, D. L., Owen, J., de Lange, P. J. (2025). Notes on the ecology of the invasive Himalayan wineberry (Rubus ellipticus Sm.) in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland, Aotearoa / New Zealand. Perspectives in Biosecurity, 10: 1–9. https://doi.org/10.34074/pibs.01001