Kanono
Botanical name: Coprosma grandifolia
Synonyms: Coprosma autumnalis, Coprosma australis
Common name(s): Kanono, Raurēkau, Kōwhariki, Large Leaved Coprosma
About:
Coprosma grandifolia is a handsome large shrub or small tree with the largest leaves of any New Zealand coprosma. It is easily recognised by its broad, pale green leaves, often mottled with maroon or purple, prominent drip tips, and conspicuous dark-tipped stipules between the leaf pairs. A common forest understorey species, kanono is widespread throughout much of New Zealand and is valued for its lush foliage and attractive orange-red fruit.
Natural habitat:
Common in the understorey of coastal to montane forests, regenerating forest, shrublands and cloud forests. It is especially abundant in sheltered, moist and shaded locations and often colonises forest margins, roadsides and old logging tracks.
Growing environment:
Prefers moist, fertile soils in semi-shade or shade but is adaptable to a wide range of garden conditions. Thrives in sheltered situations with good drainage and regular moisture.
Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Occurs throughout the North Island and northern South Island, extending south to Lake Ianthe on the West Coast and the Marlborough Sounds in the east.
Height:
Up to 6–7 m
Width:
3–5 m
Flowering:
(March–) April (–June), occasionally flowering again in September.
Fruiting:
(September–) October–January (–April)
Uses:
• Forest restoration and revegetation
• Understorey planting
• Shelter and screening
• Native woodland gardens
• Traditional Māori dye plant
• Wildlife habitat and food source
Appearance:Growth habit:
An evergreen shrub or small tree that may be multi-stemmed or develop a single trunk. Plants are densely branched with a lush, leafy appearance.
Trunk and branches:
The bark is smooth and grey-brown, with green tissue visible beneath. Branches and branchlets are smooth and hairless.
Leaves:
Leaves are opposite, very large and thin, measuring typically 15–30 cm long and 7–10 cm wide, occasionally larger. They are broadly elliptic to obovate with a pointed or apiculate tip and a gradually tapering base. The upper surface is dull glossy green, often mottled with maroon or purple, while the underside is paler. The fine network of veins is conspicuous on both surfaces, and domatia are present where the lateral veins meet the midrib. Margins are usually smooth but may be gently wavy.
Between each pair of leaves are conspicuous triangular stipules that taper to two prominent dark glandular teeth, a distinctive feature of the species.
Flowers:
Tiny greenish-white flowers are borne in branched clusters on peduncles up to 8 cm long. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers on separate plants.
Fruit:
The fruit is a fleshy oblong drupe, 7–9 mm long, ripening from orange to reddish-orange. Fruits are borne in open clusters and are attractive to birds.
Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds, which play an important role in spreading the species throughout forest habitats. Kanono is often a dominant understorey species in moist forests and regenerating shrublands and provides shelter and food for native wildlife.
Associated habitats:
Coastal forest, lowland forest, montane forest, cloud forest, regenerating forest, shrublands and forest margins.
How to grow:
Grow in semi-shade to full shade in moist, fertile, free-draining soil. It establishes easily and tolerates a range of conditions once mature, although it performs best where soil moisture is consistent. Suitable for sheltered woodland gardens and restoration projects.
Propagation:
Very easy to propagate from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Fresh seed germinates readily, while cuttings strike reliably under humid conditions.
Cultural use:
Known to Māori as kanono, raurēkau and kōwhariki, the bark was traditionally used to produce a yellow dye for colouring harakeke (flax) fibres. The plant has long been valued as part of New Zealand’s native forest ecosystems.
Garden value:
Kanono is one of the most attractive large-leaved native shrubs, valued for its lush foliage, colourful fruit and adaptability. Its bold leaves provide a tropical appearance in shaded gardens, while its hardiness and wildlife value make it an excellent choice for native woodland plantings and ecological restoration projects.