Small-seeded coprosma

Botanical name: Coprosma microcarpa
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Small-seeded Coprosma, Small-fruited Coprosma

About:
Coprosma microcarpa is a finely textured evergreen shrub characterised by its flattened branch arrangement, dark stems and tiny narrow leaves. The delicate foliage and compact habit give it a distinctive appearance among New Zealand’s small-leaved coprosmas. Despite its refined look, it is a hardy species well adapted to a wide range of environments, from coastal areas to montane forests and exposed alpine sites.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally in lowland to montane forests, shrublands and open rocky areas. It is also found in exposed coastal sites and subalpine habitats where it withstands wind, frost and poor soils.

Growing environment:
Prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates frost, wind and dry periods once established, but dislikes prolonged waterlogging.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found throughout both the North and South Islands, from coastal regions to alpine areas.

Height:
0.5–4 m

Width:
0.5–2 m

Flowering:
Spring to early summer.

Fruiting:
Summer to autumn.

Uses:
• Revegetation and restoration planting
• Low hedging and screening
• Alpine and rock gardens
• Habitat planting for birds and insects
• Fine-textured native garden plant

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A densely branched evergreen shrub with branchlets arranged in flattened planes. The plant forms a bushy, layered habit that can be upright or spreading depending on site conditions.

Trunk and branches:
Branches are slender and dark brown to blackish in colour. Young twigs are covered with fine hairs and often arranged in fan-like sprays.

Leaves:
Leaves are very small and borne in opposite pairs, often clustered along short branchlets. They are narrow elliptic to oblong, 5–15 mm long and 1–3 mm wide, thin in texture and dark green. The underside is paler and bears small domatia where the lateral veins join the midrib. Between each pair of leaves is a tiny stipular sheath fringed with fine hairs.

Flowers:
Flowers are tiny, greenish and inconspicuous. Plants are usually dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants.

Fruit:
The fruit is a small fleshy drupe, usually white when ripe, occasionally flushed pale cream or pink. The berries are attractive to birds and contain two small seeds.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds (frugivory). Its dense branching structure provides shelter for small birds and invertebrates, while the fruit provides an important seasonal food source.

Associated habitats:
Lowland forest, montane forest, shrubland, rocky outcrops, coastal scrub, alpine herbfields and subalpine scrub.

How to grow:
Grow in full sun or partial shade in free-draining soil. It is hardy, frost tolerant and well suited to exposed gardens. Once established it requires little maintenance and tolerates drought and wind.

Propagation:
Easily propagated from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germinates readily when cleaned and sown fresh.

Cultural use:
Like many species of Coprosma, it contributes to the biodiversity and ecological resilience of New Zealand forests and shrublands and forms part of traditional Māori knowledge of native flora.

Garden value:
Small-seeded coprosma is valued for its delicate texture and toughness. Its flattened sprays of tiny leaves make it an excellent contrast plant in native gardens, while its compact habit suits rock gardens, borders and restoration plantings. The white berries and dense structure also make it attractive to native birds and beneficial insects.