Botanical name:

Coprosma areolata

Common name(s):

Thin-leaved coprosma

About:

A common tall bushy shrub is characterised by its distinctive pairs of small, thin, and pointed leaves, accompanied by hairy twigs. The leaves themselves are notably thin, exhibiting visible veins that add to their intricate appearance, tapering sharply both at the tip and at the leaf stalk. Additionally, small pits can be observed at the junction of the veins, forming in pairs, with a delicate long-tipped scale situated between the base of the leaf stems. This remarkable structure contributes to the overall uniqueness of the shrub.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to lower montane forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Stewart Islands.

Height: 5m

Flowering:

October-December with a green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

(November-) December-April with a dark purple fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed & semi hardwood cuttings.

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