Leafy coprosma

Botanical name: Coprosma parviflora
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Leafy Coprosma, Small-flowered Coprosma

About:
Coprosma parviflora is a bushy, evergreen shrub endemic to northern New Zealand. It is characterised by its flattened, wide-angled branches clothed in abundant clusters of small oval leaves and its small white, pink or dark violet fruit. The undersides of the leaves bear minute hairs, a feature that distinguishes it from many related species. It is naturally restricted to the far north and the Three Kings Islands, where it inhabits sheltered forests and scrub.

Natural habitat:
Sheltered coastal and lowland forest, forest margins and scrub.

Growing environment:
Prefers well-drained but moisture-retentive soils in full sun to partial shade. Thrives in warm, humid climates and is moderately tolerant of frost once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found on the Three Kings Islands and in the North Island from Te Paki south to Auckland, where it is now extinct. Remaining mainland populations occur from Kaipara Harbour northwards.

Height:
1–5 m

Width:
1–2 m

Flowering:
August–September (-October)

Fruiting:
March–April (-October)

Uses:
Sheltered native gardens, forest restoration, specimen shrub, habitat planting and bird gardens.

Appearance:
A densely branched, bushy shrub with distinctive flattened, wide-angled branch systems. Young twigs are covered in fine hairs toward their tips. Leaves are borne in opposite pairs and clustered densely along short branchlets. They are oval to elliptic, 7–12 mm long, glossy green above and clothed beneath with minute hairs that are difficult to see without magnification. Flowers are small, greenish to white and inconspicuous. Plants are dioecious, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants. The fleshy drupes are white, pink or dark violet when ripe.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruits are dispersed by birds (frugivory). Dense branching provides shelter for small birds and invertebrates. The species is naturally restricted and appears sensitive to habitat loss and climatic changes outside its northern range.

Associated habitats:
Coastal forest, lowland forest, shrubland, forest margins and island ecosystems of northern New Zealand.

How to grow:
Grow in a sheltered position with good drainage and regular moisture. It prefers partial shade but tolerates full sun if moisture is available. Protect young plants from severe frost.

Propagation:
Can be grown from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed should be cleaned of fruit pulp before sowing. Cuttings strike readily in a humid environment.

Cultural use:
Like many species of Coprosma, leafy coprosma contributes to the ecological health of northern forests by providing fruit for birds and habitat for native fauna.

Garden value:
A handsome small-leaved shrub valued for its dense habit, flattened branching pattern and colourful fruit. It is particularly useful in sheltered native gardens where its fine texture contrasts well with larger-leaved shrubs and trees.