Mountain currant, Shining Coprosma, Mountain Currant Bush
Coprosma nitida
Family: Rubiaceae
What it is like
A prickly shrub. It is often less than 1 m tall but can be 3 m tall. The leaves are shiny. They are 10 mm long and 5 mm wide. The leaves occur opposite each other along the stem. Male and female flowers occur on different plants. The petals are small and the stamens or styles are large. The fruit are orange-red and shiny. They are edible.
There are about 90 Coprosma species.
Where it is found
It grows in alpine regions often on drier dolerite mountains among rocks. It grows above 900 m altitude in cool temperate locations. It can tolerate snow and frost. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The fruit can be eaten. They can be used in pies and cakes and tarts.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed. Seed can be collected from the fleshy fruit. They can also be grown from stem cuttings. If the seeds have been dried and stored they need pre-treatment before sowing. They can be soaked in vinegar or other acid for 24 hours or longer. They should be then drained and rinsed before sowing. They can be sown in a nursery in potting mix and transplanted out to small pots then the garden situation.