This is an archived copy of this article, recovered after a server failure in January 2022.

Some links may be broken, and editing is disabled. We are working to bring back full functionality.

Uses

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet, but with little flavour[1]. The white fruit is about 5mm in diameter[1]. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[2].

Unknown part

Fruit

Material uses

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

Unknown part

Dye

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

There are no medicinal uses listed for Coprosma virescens.

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

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[3]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Coprosma virescens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[3]. Succeeds in most soils[1].

Somewhat intolerant of frost, this species is only likely to succeed outdoors in the mildest areas of Britain[3]. Another report says that it is proving to be hardy in an Essex garden[1]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[3][1]. Plants are tolerant of heavy clipping or pruning[1].

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[1]. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Coprosma virescens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Coprosma virescens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Coprosma virescens
Genus
Coprosma
Family
Rubiaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    2 x meters
    Fertility
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.7 Knees. S. The New Plantsman. Volume 2, 1995. Royal Horticultural Society ISBN 1352-4186 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.3 Brooker. S. G., Cambie. R. C. and Cooper. R. C. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-558229-2 (1991-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.23.33.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    4. ? Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. (1961-00-00)