Botanical name:

Coprosma chathamica

Common name(s):

Chatham Island karamū, karamū

About:

Found naturally on the Chatham Islands, this distinctive Coprosma species grows impressively up to 5m in height when cultivated in suitable environments. The slightly glossy, oblong dark green leaves present a fascinating variation in length, ranging from approximately 3.5 to 7.5cm. C. chathamica proves to be particularly suitable for growing in shaded areas and requires a reasonable level of moisture to thrive effectively.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and inland forest. Mostly on peat and usually in sites that are at least temporarily waterlogged but also on limestone, schist and basalt outcrops in free draining situations. An important canopy tree which co-associates with matipo (Myrsine chathamica) on free draining soils, and swamp akeake (Olearia telmatica) in the waterlogged soils in the lowlands to form one of the main forest types.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Chatham Islands: Rekohu (Chatham Island), Rangiauria (Pitt Island) and Rangatira (South-east Island)

Height: 5m

Flowering:

August – December with a green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - May

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive species that given time will grow in to a large tree so it needs plenty of space. Does best planted in a permanently moist soil & can tolerate periodic water logging.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.