Botanical name:

Coprosma arborea

Common name(s):

Māmāngi, tree coprosma

About:

A small bushy tree characterised by its distinct pairs of small, roundish thin leaves, it primarily inhabits the lush top half of the North Island. These leaves are notably thin and exhibit a mottled appearance, featuring a small pit located at the junction of the veins. The leaves grow in pairs, each accompanied by a small long-tipped scale positioned between the bases of the leaf stems, contributing to the unique visual appeal of this tree.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lower montane forest - but mostly coastal to lowland. Often forming the sub canopy in coastal kauri forest or mixed pohutukawa-hardwood forest. Rarely, such as on Waiheke Island, forming a distinct forest type where it dominates the canopy.

Growing environment:

Shade, Sun, Coastal & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Three Kings and North Island, where it’s found from Te Paki south to near Waitomo in the west and about Gisborne in the East.

Height: 12m

Flowering:

September – December with a green or white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

January – December with white fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Often rather slow growing. Does best planted in a moderately fertile, free draining soil in semi-shade, though once established it will tolerate extremely sunny and dry conditions. A beautiful specimen tree.

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