Practical
Plants

Coprosma acerosa

Sand Coprosma

a perennial woody evergreen member of the Coprosma genus in the family Rubiaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Rubiaceae
Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
0.5 m
Spread
0.6 m
Fertility
Self sterile, Wind
Flower type
dioecious
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Fruit - raw[4]. Sweet and juicy[3], but with little flavour[7]. The fruit is usually pale blue and up to 8mm long x 6mm wide[6][7]. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[2].

Product or use
Coffee
Plant part
Fruit

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A yellow dye is obtained from the wood, it does not require a mordant[2].

Product or use
Dye

Environment

Range
New Zealand.
Habitat
Coastal sand dunes[8] and elevations up to 1200 metres[1], on North, South and Chatham Islands[7].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 8+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral
Drainage
well drained
Tolerances
high wind, maritime exposure
Wind
Yes
Maritime
Yes
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame[K]. Sow stored seed in spring in a cold frame[6]. Germination can be slow, often taking more than 12 months even when fresh seed is used[K]. 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[K]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[6]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[7]. Judging by its habitat this plant should be tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. Somewhat intolerant of frost[6], this species is hardy at Kew but it prefers milder winters[1]. It does not succeed in the colder areas of the country[1]. Fruits are freely produced in Ireland[1]. Does well on a sunny ledge in the rock garden[1][5]. A widely spreading mat-forming prostrate plant, though it will eventually build up to a height of 60cm[7]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[6][7], especially C. petriei[7]. Plants are normally dioecious, though in some species the plants produce a few flowers of the opposite sex before the main flowering and a few hermaphrodite flowers are sometimes produced[7]. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

References

  1. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  2. Brooker. S. G., Cambie. R. C. and Cooper. R. C. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-19-558229-2

    ↩1↩2

  3. Crowe. A. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-340-508302

    ↩

  4. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  5. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩

  6. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  7. Knees. S. The New Plantsman. Volume 2, 1995. Royal Horticultural Society 1995-00-00 ISBN 1352-4186

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  8. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

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