Botanical name:

Coprosma robusta

Common name(s):

Karamu

About:

A large and bushy shrub features pairs of glossy green leaves, each displaying a small dark-tipped flap at the stem, situated between the bases of the leaves. The leaves typically measure 7 to 12cm in length and exhibit a prominent ridge running down the middle on the underside, while a noticeable furrow is present along the top surface. The fruit, which is bright red, grows in tight clusters along the twigs and is particularly attractive to birds, especially from January to July. Additionally, this resilient shrub competes effectively with gorse, thriving in a variety of conditions.

Natural habitat:

Common throughout coastal, lowland and lower montane habitats within shrub-lands and open sites within forest.

Growing environment:

Drought, Shade, Salt, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands. Naturalised on the Chatham Islands within a small area between Waitangi and Owenga.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

(July-) August-September (-November) with a green or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting:

(March-) April-May (-July) with a red/orange fruit.

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Very easy from fresh seed. Also easy from semi-hardwood cuttings. Fast growing and inclined to become weedy.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment.