Botanical name:

Coprosma virescens

Common name(s):

About:

Naturally occurring in the Kaimanawa Range and extending southward into lowland forests and their margins, this species is arguably the most visually appealing of the divaricating Coprosmas, reaching heights of 2-3m. Its highly intertwined branches produce an overall golden coppery hue, while the diminutive leaves remain rather inconspicuous. This plant serves excellently as a specimen, can be planted in groups, or used for hedging. It demonstrates remarkable toughness and tolerance to poor soil and dry conditions.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to lower montane. On well drained to poorly draining fertile soils, often overlying calcareous or base-rich igneous rocks. Also found in forests and shrub-land.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Drought, Wind, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

North and South Islands from the ranges east of Gisborne, and especially around Taihape south. Scarce in Nelson and apparently absent from Marlborough and absent from Westland, common in Canterbury south to Southland. Throughout its range it is mainly eastern and often very uncommon or absent from large parts of its range

Height: 3m

Flowering:

September - November with a green/white coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

May - July with a red/orangish fruit containing four seeds

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Very popular in cultivation on account of its unusual growth habit and tolerance of a range of soils and planting situations. Easy from fresh seed and semi-hardwood cuttings. An attractive shrub to small tree that does best in full sun but will tolerate moderate shade. 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