Coprosma acerosa
| Coprosma acerosa | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 2' |
| Width: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Early Fall-Mid Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Coprosma acerosa (common name: sand coprosma)
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[1]. 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: Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[1]. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[2]. Judging by its habitat this plant should be tolerant of maritime exposure[K].
Somewhat intolerant of frost[1], this species is hardy at Kew but it prefers milder winters[3]. It does not succeed in the colder areas of the country[3]. Fruits are freely produced in Ireland[3]. Does well on a sunny ledge in the rock garden[3][4].
A widely spreading mat-forming prostrate plant, though it will eventually build up to a height of 60cm[2].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[1][2], especially C. petriei[2].
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[2]. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Coastal sand dunes[5] and elevations up to 1200 metres[3], on North, South and Chatham Islands[2].
Edibility: Fruit - raw[6]. Sweet and juicy[7], but with little flavour[2]. The fruit is usually pale blue and up to 8mm long x 6mm wide[1][2].
The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[8].
Usage: A yellow dye is obtained from the wood, it does not require a mordant[8].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Knees, Sabina. The New Plantsman Volume 2. Royal Horticultural Society, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray, 1992.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.