Botanical name:

Coprosma ciliata

Common name(s):

About:

A divaricating shrub, typically growing to heights of 2 to 3m, features hairy branchlets and very small, narrow leaves that are somewhat distinctive. The berries produced by this shrub are a vibrant orangey-red colour, adding to its visual appeal. This plant can be found throughout New Zealand, thriving in a diverse range of habitats. In more exposed areas, it tends to form a compact, tight mound, while in shaded environments, the leaves become larger and the shrub exhibits a more open, airy habit.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to higher montane, 0-900m, forest and grassland, apparently almost throughout, but local except in southern portion of range.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart, Auckland, Campbell and Antipodes Islands. From the Tararua Range southwards.

Height: 3m

Flowering:

October-November (-January) with a green coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

February-May

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Forests, Hedging, Pioneer & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed, and semi-hardwood cuttings.

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