Thin-leaved Coprosma

Botanical name: Coprosma areolata
Synonyms: None known
Common name(s): Thin-leaved Coprosma

About:
A graceful and widespread New Zealand coprosma forming a bushy shrub or small tree with slender branches and delicate, finely veined leaves. It is distinguished by its thin foliage, hairy young stems and glossy dark purple to black fruit. Despite its modest appearance, it is an important understorey species in native forests throughout New Zealand.

Natural habitat:
Lowland to lower montane forests, forest margins and regenerating woodland.

Growing environment:
Prefers moist, fertile, free-draining soils in partial shade to full sun. Tolerates frost and cool climates and grows well in sheltered garden situations.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found naturally throughout the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura.

Height:
3–5 m

Width:
2–4 m

Flowering:
October–December

Fruiting:
December–April

Uses:
• Forest restoration plantings
• Understorey tree in native gardens
• Wildlife habitat
• Shelter plantings
• Bird-attracting gardens
• Naturalistic and woodland plantings

Appearance:

Growth habit:
An evergreen shrub or small tree with a leafy appearance and slender, often upright branches. Young branchlets are pale fawn-coloured and finely hairy.

Leaves:
Leaves are borne in opposite pairs or clusters on short branchlets. They are thin and membranous, broadly elliptic to obovate, usually 9–17 mm long, tapering to both the base and a fine pointed tip. The upper surface is almost hairless while the lower surface bears sparse hairs. The conspicuous network of veins gives the leaves a distinctive textured appearance. Tiny pits (domatia) occur where the lateral veins meet the midrib beneath the leaf.

Flowers:
Tiny green flowers are produced singly or in small clusters at the ends of short branchlets. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Male flowers lack sepals, while female flowers possess minute calyx teeth.

Fruit:
The fruit is a fleshy globose drupe, 4–5 mm across, ripening from dark purple to almost black. The berries are attractive to native birds, which disperse the seeds.

Ecology:
This species is strictly dioecious, with male and female flowers produced on separate plants. The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds and contributes to forest regeneration. It is an important component of lowland forest understoreys throughout New Zealand.

Associated habitats:
Lowland podocarp forest, mixed broadleaf forest, regenerating scrub, forest margins and lower montane woodland.

How to grow:
Plant in moist, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. It is frost hardy and adapts well to most garden conditions provided the soil does not dry out excessively. Minimal maintenance is required once established.

Propagation:
Easily propagated from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germinates readily after cleaning the fruit pulp away.

Cultural use:
Although less conspicuous than some larger coprosmas, thin-leaved coprosma is an important native forest species that contributes to ecosystem diversity and provides food for birds.

Garden value:
A refined and attractive shrub valued for its delicate foliage, elegant branching habit and dark berries. Ideal for native woodland gardens, restoration projects and as an understorey plant beneath larger trees.