Mingimingi

Botanical name: Coprosma propinqua var. propinqua
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Mingimingi, Mikimiki, Black scrub

About:
One of New Zealand’s most widespread and variable small-leaved coprosmas. Coprosma propinqua is usually a bushy divaricating shrub with dark glossy leaves and interlacing branches, although coastal forms may form low, spreading mats. It is notable for its pale blue to deep indigo fruit and its ability to hybridise freely with other coprosma species, especially Coprosma robusta.

Natural habitat:
Forest margins, swamp forest, shrubland, stream banks, rocky outcrops, cliffs and montane scrub.

Growing environment:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a wide range of soils, from moist fertile ground to dry stony sites. It is hardy to frost, wind and coastal exposure.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Widespread throughout the North and South Islands from Mangōnui to Stewart Island, with a related variety occurring on the Chatham Islands.

Height:
0.3–6 m, occasionally to 7 m

Width:
1–3 m or more

Flowering:
August–September

Fruiting:
March–April

Uses:
• Shelter planting
• Revegetation and ecological restoration
• Hedging and screening
• Coastal gardens
• Bird-friendly gardens

Appearance:
A highly variable shrub, usually with stiff, wide-angled, interlacing branches and grey bark. Young stems are hairy and may appear almost black from a distance. Leaves are opposite or clustered on short branchlets, dark glossy green above and paler beneath, narrowly elliptic to linear-ovate, 4–14 mm long and 2–3 mm wide. Adult leaves are often curved sideways and commonly have one to three domatia (small pits) on the underside. Stipules are broad and hairy. Flowers are small, green and unisexual, with male flowers borne in clusters and female flowers solitary on short branchlets. Fruits are fleshy drupes that mature from pale or translucent white to blue-flecked, indigo or occasionally yellow.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruits are dispersed by birds (frugivory). The dense branching structure provides excellent shelter and nesting sites for native birds and invertebrates. It is an important component of many forest and shrubland communities and readily hybridises with related species.

Associated habitats:
Podocarp and beech forest margins, swamp forest, shrublands, coastal scrub, streamside vegetation, montane scrub and rocky slopes.

How to grow:
Easy to cultivate and adaptable to a wide range of conditions. Plant in sun or semi-shade in well-drained soil. Once established it tolerates drought, frost, wind and coastal exposure. Trim lightly if a denser form is desired.

Propagation:
Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seed germinates readily after the fleshy fruit is removed.

Cultural use:
The Māori name mingimingi is shared with several other fine-branched shrubs and is widely used throughout New Zealand. In Kāi Tahu dialect the name mikimiki is commonly applied. The species is an important component of many traditional landscapes and ecosystems.

Garden value:
An excellent hardy native shrub valued for its intricate branching, glossy foliage and attractive blue fruits. Useful for hedging, shelter, revegetation and wildlife gardens, especially where a tough, adaptable species is required.