Neglected Coprosma

Botanical name: Coprosma neglecta
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Neglected Coprosma, Coprosma ‘Whangaroa’

About:
Coprosma neglecta is a robust, sprawling evergreen shrub endemic to the far north of New Zealand. It is distinguished by its dense branching, glossy rounded leaves and bright orange fruit. Adapted to exposed coastal and lowland habitats, it is exceptionally tolerant of wind, salt spray and drought, making it one of the hardiest and most useful small-leaved coprosmas for gardens.

Natural habitat:
Coastal and lowland forest margins, rocky outcrops, cliff faces and scrub, particularly in exposed sites.

Growing environment:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soils. Highly tolerant of wind, salt spray, drought and poor soils once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Naturally restricted to eastern Northland and the North Cape region.

Height:
0.3–0.5 m

Width:
1–2 m

Flowering:
Spring to early summer.

Fruiting:
Late summer to autumn.

Uses:
• Coastal gardens
• Groundcover and bank stabilisation
• Rock gardens
• Revegetation planting
• Habitat and food source for native birds

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A robust, sprawling evergreen shrub with long arching or cascading branches that form dense mats or broad mounds. Branches interlace to create a compact and wind-resistant habit.

Trunk and branches:
Older stems are woody and grey-brown. Young twigs are dark and covered in fine hairs near their tips.

Leaves:
Leaves are borne in opposite pairs and are broadly oval to nearly circular, usually around 8–12 mm long and wide. They are thick, glossy dark green above and paler beneath, with veins not readily visible on the upper surface. Tiny domatia are present beneath the leaves where the lateral veins meet the midrib. Between each pair of leaves is a minute stipule bearing a small dark terminal tooth.

Flowers:
Flowers are tiny, green and inconspicuous. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers occurring on separate plants.

Fruit:
The fruit is a fleshy orange to orange-red drupe that ripens in late summer and autumn. The berries are attractive to native birds, which disperse the seeds.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds (frugivory). Dense branching provides shelter for insects, lizards and small birds, while the extensive root system helps stabilise soils on coastal slopes and rocky sites.

Associated habitats:
Coastal forest, lowland forest margins, rocky bluffs, cliff faces, scrubland and exposed coastal shrublands.

How to grow:
Plant in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil. Extremely hardy once established, tolerating drought, salt spray and strong winds. It responds well to trimming and can be used as a dense groundcover or informal hedge.

Propagation:
Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds germinate readily after the fleshy fruit has been removed.

Cultural use:
Like many species of Coprosma, this plant contributes to the ecological richness of northern coastal forests and provides food for native birds that are important in Māori environmental knowledge and forest ecosystems.

Garden value:
Coprosma neglecta is one of the best native groundcover shrubs for exposed gardens. Its glossy rounded foliage, bright berries and exceptional tolerance of coastal conditions make it ideal for rock gardens, coastal plantings, retaining walls and erosion control. The cultivar known as Coprosma ‘Whangaroa’ is a popular garden form selected for its especially compact habit and attractive foliage.