Coprosma robusta
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
Coprosma robusta is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. 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): 5
Where it is found
Lowland forest and shrubland, especially on alluvial soils, on North, South and Chatham Islands, south to latitude 45°south.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is freely borne, it is sweet but has little flavour. The orange fruit is about 9mm long x 5mm wide. The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. It is said to make an excellent coffee, though the seeds are rather small.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 1
A concoction of boiled leaves and twigs has been used to treat wounds that are not healing. The decoction of the leaves has been drunk in the treatment of kidney troubles.
Kidney: Used in the treatment of kidney diseases
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
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. Somewhat intolerant of frost, this species is only likely to succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain. Plants are fairly hardy in Essex according to another report, which says that they are worthy shrubs for a woodland garden. There are some named forms, selected for their ornamental value. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus. Plants are tolerant of heavy clipping or pruning. Plants are normally dioecious, though occasionally 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.
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