Botanical name:

Coprosma repens

Common name(s):

Taupata, Mirror Plant

About:

This visually appealing species tends to self-sow and can occasionally become weedy in cultivated areas. In certain regions of New Zealand, where it is not native, it has established itself from garden plantings and now poses a threat to other indigenous Coprosma populations as well as local coastal vegetation. It is commonly found as a low-growing shrub or small tree, featuring pairs of glossy, dark green leaves. These leaves measure 6-8cm in length, have a leathery texture, and display small pits at the vein junctions, typically inhabiting the edges of coastal forests and seaside rocks.

Natural habitat:

Coastal (rarely inland: Kaitaia – Awanui River, Huntly Basin and in the Manawatu – especially the upper Rangitikei River). A common species of rock stacks, islets, islands coastal cliffs, talus slopes and boulder field. Also a common component of petrel scrub on northern offshore islands, and in coastal forest where it often forms the main understory and rarely is co-dominant in the canopy. Frequently associated with other coastal Coprosma, especially C. crassifolia, C. macrocarpa, C. rhamnoides, C. neglecta, and members of the C. acerosa complex.

Growing environment:

Sand, Sun, Salt, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Three Kings, North and South Islands as far south as Greymouth in the west and Rarangi in the east but now extensively naturalised throughout the South Island, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

June – February with a green or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

June-July with an orange fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed, semi-hardwood cuttings and layered pieces. Can be moderately frost-tender.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment.