Mikimiki

Botanical name: Coprosma virescens
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Mikimiki, Green-fruited coprosma

About:
Coprosma virescens is a distinctive small-leaved evergreen shrub or small tree recognised by its tangled, divaricating branch structure, greenish bark and tiny pale green leaves. It is one of New Zealand’s most elegant twiggy coprosmas, with slender interlacing branchlets that create a delicate, airy appearance. The species is particularly notable for its pale fruits, which often appear greenish due to the visibility of the seeds through the translucent flesh.

Natural habitat:
Occurs naturally in lowland to lower montane forests and shrublands, particularly on fertile soils. It is often associated with calcareous or base-rich substrates and is commonly found in forest margins, open woodland and regenerating shrubland.

Growing environment:
Prefers free-draining but moist fertile soils in full sun to partial shade. It tolerates a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions once established.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in both the North and South Islands. In the North Island it occurs from the Gisborne ranges and Taihape southwards. In the South Island it is common from Canterbury to Southland, uncommon in Nelson and absent from Westland and much of Marlborough.

Height:
2–5 m

Width:
1–3 m

Flowering:
September–November

Fruiting:
May–July

Uses:
• Native revegetation projects
• Shelter and habitat planting
• Wildlife gardens
• Restoration of forest margins and shrublands
• Specimen shrub for native gardens
• Fine-textured screening plant

Appearance:

Growth habit:
A many-branched evergreen shrub or small tree with an open, tangled and strongly divaricating growth form. Branches are slender, flexible and intricately interwoven.

Trunk and branches:
The bark is smooth and greenish to grey-green, sometimes olive or reddish-green. Young branchlets are very slender, flexible and nearly hairless, becoming increasingly interlaced with age.

Leaves:
Leaves are borne in opposite pairs and often clustered along short branchlets. They are rhomboid, ovate to ovate-oblong, 5–9 mm long and 3–6 mm wide, pale green to brownish-green and often glossy. The leaf margins may be slightly wavy or bear a few blunt teeth. Leaves narrow abruptly into a short flattened petiole. Small domatia occur beneath the leaves where veins meet the midrib. Between each leaf pair is a small stipular ridge bearing tiny hairs.

Flowers:
Flowers are small, greenish and inconspicuous. Male flowers occur singly or in pairs on short branchlets, while female flowers are borne singly. Male and female flowers are produced on separate plants.

Fruit:
The fruit is an oblong fleshy drupe, 5–6 mm long, white to yellowish-white when ripe. The translucent flesh often reveals the green seeds inside, giving the fruit a greenish appearance. Fruits are attractive to native birds.

Ecology:
The fleshy fruit is dispersed by birds (frugivory). Its dense branching habit provides shelter for small birds and insects, while the fruit provides an important seasonal food source for native wildlife.

Associated habitats:
Lowland forest, lower montane forest, shrubland, forest margins, regenerating bush, limestone forests and fertile alluvial terraces.

How to grow:
Grow in full sun or partial shade in moist but well-drained soil. It is adaptable, hardy and tolerant of a wide range of growing conditions. Minimal maintenance is required once established.

Propagation:
Easily propagated from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Fresh seed germinates readily and cuttings strike well under suitable conditions.

Cultural use:
Mikimiki forms part of New Zealand’s diverse native shrubland ecosystems and contributes to the ecological complexity of forest margins and regenerating habitats. The name mikimiki is shared with several closely related small-leaved Coprosma species.

Garden value:
Coprosma virescens is highly valued for its graceful, finely textured branching habit and unusual pale fruit. Its elegant form provides year-round interest and contrast in native gardens, while its adaptability makes it suitable for restoration projects, screening and mixed native plantings.