Brown-stemmed Coprosma

Botanical name: Coprosma brunnea
Synonyms: Coprosma acerosa f. brunnea
Common name(s): Brown-stemmed Coprosma, Mingimingi

About:
A low, sprawling shrub endemic to the South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, forming open mats of wiry brown stems and tiny narrow leaves. Brown-stemmed coprosma is a hardy species of dry inland habitats where it grows among river gravels, rocky terraces and alpine shrublands. Its intricate branching pattern, pale blue berries and tolerance of harsh conditions make it an excellent native ground cover.

Natural habitat:
Open rocky habitats, stony riverbeds, terraces, subalpine scrub and tussock-herbfields from lowland to alpine elevations.

Growing environment:
Prefers full sun and free-draining soils. Tolerates drought, wind, frost, poor soils and exposed sites. Performs well in sandy, gravelly or rocky ground.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found naturally in the South Island and Stewart Island/Rakiura, particularly in Nelson and the drier central and eastern regions of the South Island.

Height:
0.2–1 m

Width:
1–2 m

Flowering:
September–December

Fruiting:
February–June

Uses:
• Ground cover for dry sites
• Revegetation and restoration plantings
• Rock gardens
• Riverbed and alpine gardens
• Erosion control
• Habitat for native birds, lizards and insects

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A prostrate to sprawling shrub with slender, flexible, interlacing branches that form flattened, open mats up to 2 m across. The branches are dark brown and the young branchlets are softly hairy.

Leaves:
Leaves are sparse and occur in opposite pairs or small clusters along the stems. They are very small, narrow and leathery, measuring 5–13 mm long and only 0.5–1 mm wide. The foliage is dark brownish-green and usually glabrous, with only the central vein visible.

Flowers:
Tiny yellowish-green flowers are produced singly at the ends of short leafy branchlets. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants. The flowers are inconspicuous but are followed by attractive fruit.

Fruit:
The fruit is a translucent pale blue drupe, sometimes flecked with darker blue markings. The berries are spherical and around 5–6 mm in diameter.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds and other fruit-eating animals. The dense mats provide shelter for native lizards and insects and help stabilise loose soils and gravels. Although once widespread, the species has declined in some areas due to browsing by rabbits and hares and habitat invasion by broom and gorse.

Associated habitats:
Braided riverbeds, rocky terraces, inland shrublands, subalpine scrub, tussock grasslands and alpine herbfields.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun in well-drained sandy, gravelly or rocky soil. Once established it requires very little maintenance and tolerates prolonged dry periods, frost and exposure. Avoid heavy, poorly drained soils.

Propagation:
Easily propagated from fresh seed, semi-hardwood cuttings or rooted stem pieces. Seedlings establish readily in open sunny sites.

Cultural use:
Brown-stemmed coprosma is an important component of inland South Island ecosystems, contributing shelter and food for native wildlife in some of New Zealand’s harshest environments.

Garden value:
An attractive and resilient ground cover with beautiful brown stems, fine-textured foliage and pale blue berries. Ideal for rock gardens, alpine plantings and dry landscapes where its intricate form and toughness can be fully appreciated.