Coprosma rotundifolia

Cunn.

Round-leaved coprosma

Rubiaceae Edible: Fruit, Seeds - coffee 1,936 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Source: Wikipedia

Coprosma rotundifolia is a native forest shrub of New Zealand found on the North, South, and Stewart Islands.

Description

An evergreen shrub. It grows 5 m tall. The branches divide at angles. The veins are easy to see. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The fruit are red or white. They are 5 mm across.

Edible Uses

The red fruit, about 5mm in diameter, can be eaten raw or cooked. It is sweet but has little flavour. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten. They have little flavour. The seeds are roasted and used for coffee.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It grows in forests usually near water or streams. It can grow in light shade. It needs a moist well-drained soil. Hobart Botanical Gardens

Where It Grows

Australia, New Zealand*, Tasmania,

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 mildest areas of Britain, where it usually grows well in a woodland garden. 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 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, then plant out in late spring or early summer with some cold protection for their first winter outdoors. Alternatively, take cuttings of mature wood from the current year's growth in autumn and root in a frame.