Coprosma atropurpurea

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

Coprosma atropurpurea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Lowland to higher montane regions in tussock grass, stream margins, rocky places and dry river beds on North and South Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Fruit - raw. Sweet, but with little flavour. The wine-red fruit is about 8 - 12mm in diameter. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A yellow dye is obtained from the wood, it does not require a mordant.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

How it is grown

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained. Somewhat intolerant of frost, this species is only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Another report says that it is quite hardy in Britain. Closely related to C. pumila, and often confused with that species. It hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. This species is often confused with C. petriei, though it is quite distinct and does not hybridise with that species. Plants are normally dioecious, though in some species the plants produce a few flowers of the opposite sex before the main flowering and a few hermaphrodite flowers are sometimes produced. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: Seed - probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame. Sow stored seed in spring in a cold frame. Germination can be slow, often taking more than 12 months even when fresh seed is used. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame. Division of suckers.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. petriei atropurpurea. Cockayne. & Allan.