Coprosma rugosa
Cheeseman
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCoprosma rugosa, also known as the needle-leaved mountain coprosma, is a shrub in the coffee family, Rubiaceae, that is native to New Zealand. It is found in grasslands and forest margins up to the subalpine zone. C. rugosa bears small purple-white berries in autumn, the seed of which is widely dispersed by birds. It is considered a very hardy shrub and is suitable for hedging.
Description
A small shrub. It grows 1.8 m tall. The branches are reddish-brown. The leaves are like needles. The fruit are pale or dark blue berries.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The fruit, white or blue and about 8mm long by 6mm wide, can be eaten raw or cooked. It is freely produced in Britain and is sweet, though with little flavour. The roasted seed makes an excellent coffee substitute.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in grassland and on the edges of forests. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.
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. Another report says that it is quite hardy in Britain. 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.
Other Uses
The plant tolerates heavy trimming and makes a good hedge. The wood yields a yellow dye that requires no mordant.
Notes
There are about 90 Coprosma species.
References (4)
- Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 411
- Etherington, K., & Imwold, D., (Eds), 2001, Botanica's Trees & Shrubs. The illustrated A-Z of over 8500 trees and shrubs. Random House, Australia. p 225
- Man. New Zealand fl. 1141. 1906
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
