Coprosma acerosa

Coprosma acerosa, commonly called sand coprosma, is a shrub that is native to New Zealand. It is a coastal plant found on the landward side of sand dunes. C. acerosa is a low, spreading shrub with yellow-brownish leaves, red bark and blue fruit. It is declining over large parts of its original range due to competition from marram grass.

Description

A shrub. The branches are inter-tangled. The plant forms springy mounds 1 m high. They spread to 90 cm wide. The leaves are small and dark green. They are like needles. Male and female flowers are carried on separate plants. The fruit on the female trees are smoky blue berries.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten raw and is sweet and juicy, though with little flavour. Fruit are usually pale blue and up to 8mm long by 6mm wide. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It grows near the coast. It is very hardy to frost. It is best in light to medium, well-drained, moist soils. It needs an open sunny position. It is damaged by drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

Where It Grows

Australia, New Zealand*,

Cultivation

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained. Judging by its habitat this plant should be tolerant of maritime exposure. Somewhat intolerant of frost, this species is hardy at Kew but it prefers milder winters. It does not succeed in the colder areas of the country. Fruits are freely produced in Ireland. Does well on a sunny ledge in the rock garden. A widely spreading mat-forming prostrate plant, though it will eventually build up to a height of 60cm. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus, especially C. petriei. Plants are normally dioecious, though in some species the plants produce a few flowers of the opposite sex before the main flowering and a few hermaphrodite flowers are sometimes produced. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame. Stored seed can be sown in spring in a cold frame. Germination is often slow, taking more than 12 months even with fresh seed. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and grow on under glass for at least their first winter before planting out in late spring or early summer. Provide some cold protection during the first winter outdoors. Cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth can be taken in autumn and rooted in a frame.

Other Uses

A yellow dye obtained from the wood does not require a mordant.

Notes

There are about 90 Coprosma species. About 50 species are native to New Zealand.

Also Known As

Tataraheke

References (7)

• Ann. Nat. Hist. 2:207. 1839
• Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 279
• Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 20
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 410
• Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 224

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