Coffee berry, Rough Coprosma, Mirror plant
Coprosma hirtella

Family: Rubiaceae

What it is like

A small shrub. It is slender. It grows 1-2.5 m high and spreads 0.5-1.5 m wide. The leaves are 1-7 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. They are broadly oval. They are roughened and dull green with a long point. Male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are 0.6 cm long and greenish. They occur in clusters. The fruit are fleshy with a stone inside. They are 1 cm across. They are orange-red or brown. They occur in clusters. The fruit are edible.

There are about 90 Coprosma species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It grows in open forest country. It needs adequate moisture and good drainage. It suits sub-alpine climates. It can grow in most soils in a protected and partly shaded position. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten when fully ripe.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds - coffee

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or stem cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Coprosma cuspidifolia DC.;