Coprosma moorei
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
Coprosma moorei is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. 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
Wet peaty places in alpine, sub-alpine and montane zones, to 1,200 metres.
Australia - Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit - raw. Succulent. Sweet, but with little flavour. The bright blue fruit is about 7mm 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. This species is proving to be very difficult to grow in Britain. Somewhat intolerant of frost, plants are only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Unlike most members of this genus, this species is hermaphrodite.
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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist