Botanical name:

Coprosma grandifolia

Common name(s):

Kanono, Raurekau, Large leaved Coprosma. Formerly known as Coprosma australis / autumalis

About:

A large shrub exhibiting distinctive pairs of thin, wavy, and mottled leaves. These leaves can grow up to 20cm in length and are characterised by an oval shape that tapers to a point, featuring small pits at the junction of the veins and a sharp, dark point located on the stem between each pair of leaves. The fruit, which ranges in colour from orange to red, appears on obvious stalks and is found growing in open clusters, creating a striking visual display.

Natural habitat:

Common in the understory of forest, and in sheltered shady sites from the coast to montane and cloud forest, from sea level to 1000m. In areas of high rainfall can be a major component of shrub-lands, and within regenerating forest. Often common along the margins of logging tracks and roads.

Growing environment:

Sun, Wind, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. In the South Island extending to Lake Ianthe in the west and the Marlborough Sounds in the east.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

(March-) April (-June) but may also occasionally flower in September with a green or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

(September-) October-January (-April)

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Really easy from fresh seed. Also easy from semi-hardwood cuttings. Prefers a shaded site in damp soil but will tolerate most garden situations.

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