Coprosma nitida

Shining Coprosma

Small dense upright shrub, prostrate in exposed positions. Stiff spiny branches.

FamilyRubiaceae
StoreyMiddle storey
Size1-2.5 m x 0.5-1 m
Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
LeavesCrowded, thick glossy green, narrow oblong leaves 5-21 mm x 2-5 mm with 1 vein beneath.
Flower colourGreenish
Flowering timeDecember to March
FlowersSmall flowers singly on the ends of small branchlets. Male & female flowers on separate plants (dioecious). Glossy orange-red fruit.
Bird attractingBerries
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in mountain forests locally, above 900 m. (Also occurs in sub-alpine areas.) Frost and snow tolerant. Partial to dappled shade.
Garden useDecorative small plant in cool moist areas.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.
Related speciesSimilar to Coprosma quadrifidus but leaves are thicker, shiny and single veined below.