Coprosma atropurpurea

(Ckn. & Allan) L. B. Moore.

Rubiaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds - coffee 314 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Evergreen shrub reaching 0.1m tall and 0.4m wide. Hardy to UK zone 7. Year-round foliage with flowers from July to August. Dioecious species requiring both male and female plants for seed production; wind-pollinated and not self-fertile. Grows in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soil with mildly acid to neutral pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers consistently moist conditions.

Description

A shrub. It forms low mats over the ground. It grows 10 cm tall. The fruit are dark red and 8-12 mm across.

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Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten raw and is sweet, though with little flavour. The wine-red fruit measures about 8–12mm in diameter. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits USDA hardiness zones 6-9.

Where It Grows

New Zealand,

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. The plant can also be propagated by division of suckers.