Botanical name:

Coprosma perpusilla (Coprosma pumila)

Common name(s):

Creeping coprosma

About:

A creeping rooting subshrub that can be found thriving in permanently moist montane to subalpine areas, extending from East Cape southward and also existing on the subantarctic islands. This plant is characterised by its dark brownish-grey branches, which elegantly support small fleshy green leaves, while producing vibrant orangey-red berries. It typically requires a good moist soil to flourish and prefers an open situation to maximize its growth potential.

Natural habitat:

Permanently moist montane to subalpine areas

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind, Shade & Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South & Subantarctic Islands, also the Southeastern states of Australia

Height: 60cm

Flowering:

December – January with a green/white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

December – May with a red/orangish fruit containing four seeds

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Ground cover, Forests, Pioneer & Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed, and semi-hardwood cuttings.

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