Botanical name:

Coprosma acerosa

Common name(s):

Sand coprosma, tātaraheke

About:

This sprawling yellowish small-leaved shrub is commonly found inhabiting coastal areas, where it thrives in the sandy, saline environment. The twigs exhibit an orange hue and are slightly fuzzy at the tips, contributing to the plant's unique texture. The leaves are narrow and small, characterised by a distinct dark line running down the middle on the underside, and they grow in clusters of pairs that are scattered along the twigs. The flowers are tiny yet striking, with long, protruding threads that add to the overall delicate appearance of the shrub.

Natural habitat:

Coastal sands throughout its distribution. Great for erosion control.

Growing environment:

Sun, Drought, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands of New Zealand.

Height: 1.5m

Flowering:

(September-) October-November with a green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February-March (-July) with small white berries.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though