Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant-bush
Erect open to dense shrub with fine spines on branches.
Additional information
- FamilyRubiaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size2-4 m x 1-1.5 m
- Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
- LeavesSmall dull green elliptic leaves with thin texture and conspicuous network of veins below, 5-15 mm x 2-5 mm.
- Flower colourGreenish
- Flowering timeSeptember to December
- FlowersSingle insignificant male & female flowers at the end of short branchlets on separate plants (dioecious). Sweet edible red fruit January to March.
- Bird attractingGeneral - food and habitat
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils in open forest, rainforest and gullies. Frost tolerant. Partial to full shade.
- Garden usePrickly habitat plant for shaded gardens including ferneries. Will spread readily in ideal conditions. Fruit can be added to salads.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Food & medicine - fruit
- Related speciesSimilar to Coprosma nitida but leaves are thinner, dull with a network of veins below.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4, 5 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Healesville Sanctuary ©; 6 Peter Kinchington ©
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