Botanical name:

Coprosma rotundifolia

Common name(s):

Mikimiki

About:

A large, bushy shrub with wide-spreading twigs that bear pairs of small, rounded leaves, often with purple blotches. The leaves measure 15-25mm in length and 10-20mm in width, covered in fine hairs, and taper quickly to a sharp point. The fruit is orange or red, growing on very short stalks.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to montane. Usually in riparian forest and shrub-land, especially on alluvial soils or those derived from calcareous parent materials.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North, South and Stewart Islands of New Zealand from about Kaitaia south.

Height: 6m

Flowering:

September – November with a yellowish – white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

September – August with orange or red fruit.

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings & Forests

How to grow:

Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive shrub to small tree that does well in dappled light. Should be planted in a free draining but moist, fertile soil.

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