Botanical name:

Coprosma linariifolia

Common name(s):

Mikimiki, Yellow wood, karangu

Plant facts:

Coprosma linariifolia is an erect and tall, openly-branched shrub or small tree that can grow to an impressive height of about 8m. It typically features a single trunk, which is adorned with bark that varies in texture from relatively smooth to somewhat rough, displaying a fawn-grey colour. The inner bark is strikingly bright yellow to deep orange-yellow, which is the reason for its distinctive common name. The leaves of this plant are narrowly elliptical in shape, measuring up to 33mm long and reaching widths of up to 5mm. They are often characterised by a slight crescent shape and exhibit nearly parallel margins, adding to the unique appearance of this species.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane forest and scrublands.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands, from the Hawkes Bay and Manawatu south.

Height: 8m

Flowering:

November – December with a green coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

January – April with white, often flecked with blue or blue-black, sometimes uniformly black

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed or soft wood cuttings.

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