wild irishman

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

a spiny New Zealand shrub, Discariatoumatou, Raoul, N.O. Rhamneae. The Maori name is Tumata-Kuru (q.v.).


1867. F. Hochstetter, `New Zealand,' p. 133:

«Certain species of Acyphilla and Discaria,rendering many tracts, where they grow in larger quantities,wholly inaccessible. On account of their slender bladesterminating in sharp spines the colonists have named them`spear-grass,' `wild Irishman,' and `wild Spaniard.'»

[This is a little confused. There are two distinct plants in

♣ New Zealand – –

1) Discaria toumatou, a spiny shrub or tree;called Tumatakuru Matagory, and Wild Irishman.

2) Aciphylla colensoi, a grass, called Sword-grass, Spear grass, Spaniard,and Scotchman.

1875. Lady Barker, `Station Amusements in New Zealand,' p. 35:

«Interspersed with the Spaniards are generally clumpsof ` Wild Irishman' – – a straggling sturdy bramble, readyto receive and scratch you well if you attempt to avoid the Spaniard's weapons.»

1883. J. Hector, `Handbook of New Zealand, p. 131:

«Tumata kuru, Wild Irishman. A bush or small tree withspreading branches; if properly trained would form a handsomehedge that would be stronger than whitethorn. The species wereused by the Maoris for tattooing.»

1892. Malcolm Ross, `Aorangi,' p. 37:

«Almost impenetrable scrub, composed mainly of wild Irishman (Discaria toumatou) and Sword-grass(Aciphylla Colensoi).»

1896. `The Australasian,' Aug. 28, p. 407, col. 5:

«. . . national appellations are not satisfactory. It seemsuncivil to a whole nation – – another injustice to Ireland – – tocall a bramble a wild Irishman, or a pointed grass, with theedges very sharp and the point like a bayonet, a Spaniard. Onecould not but be amused to find the name Scotchman applied to asmaller kind of Spaniard.»

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

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