Coprosma rhamnoides
Cunn.
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(c) eupomatia, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
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(c) Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY)
iNaturalist· cc-by
(c) Saryu Mae 前 朝琉, some rights reserved (CC BY)
Summary
Source: WikipediaCoprosma rhamnoides, commonly known as twiggy coprosma or red-currant coprosma, is an endemic species of shrub found in New Zealand. It forms a small shrub up to 2 m tall. The leaves are very small, simple and variable in shape. The inconspicuous flowers are unisexual and believed to be wind pollinated. It is widespread in occurrence and can be the dominant small leaved divaricating shrub in some locations
Description
A shrub with a branching habit. It grows as a dense twiggy bush. It is 3 m tall. The leaves are small and rounded. They are light green. The male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are dark red berries which are almost black when ripe.
Edible Uses
The dark red fruit, about 4mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. It is sweet but has little flavour. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate to subtropical plant. It suits a hardiness zone 8-11.
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. Another report says that plants are reasonably hardy in Britain. A polymorphic species, it hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants are tolerant of heavy clipping 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 probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame. Stored seed should be sown in spring in a cold frame. Germination can be slow, often taking more than 12 months even with fresh seed. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle. Grow plants through at least their first winter under glass before planting out in late spring or early summer, and give some cold protection during their 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 is obtained from the wood and requires no mordant.
Notes
There are about 90 Coprosma species.
References (3)
- Ann. Nat. Hist. 2:206. 1839
- 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
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
