Coprosma grandifolia

Hook. f.

Kanono

Rubiaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds - coffee 5,163 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Evergreen shrub growing to 5m tall. Hardy to UK zone 9. Evergreen year-round. Dioecious, wind-pollinated species that is not self-fertile; both male and female plants needed for seed production. Prefers light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils with mildly acid to neutral pH. Adapts to semi-shade or full sun and requires moist soil.

Description

A shrub or small tree. It can grow to 6 m tall. The branches are stout and without hairs.

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Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten raw and is sweet and juicy, though with little flavour. The reddish-orange fruit is about 8mm long. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.

Medicinal Uses

The plant is used as a poultice and treats cuts, sores, fevers, bruises, and urinary complaints. It is also used as a stomachic. Sap from the inner bark has been used as a treatment for scabies.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forest and scrubland in New Zealand. It is more common on alluvial soils and moist sheltered sites.

Where It Grows

New Zealand*,

Cultivation

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade. Succeeds in most soils. Somewhat intolerant of frost, this species is only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. A very ornamental plant, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants are tolerant of heavy trimming or pruning. 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.

Synonyms

C. australis. (A.Rich.)Robinson.

References (4)

Crowe, A., 1997, A Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Penguin. p 20
Fl. nov.-zel. 1:104. 1852
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Salmon, J.T., 1989, The Native Trees of New Zealand. Heinmann Reid p 298