Coprosma moorei
| Coprosma moorei | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-7.3 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 0.3' |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
 | |
Coprosma moorei
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]. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[2]. This species is proving to be very difficult to grow in Britain[2].
Somewhat intolerant of frost, plants are only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[1].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[1][2].
Unlike most members of this genus, this species is hermaphrodite[1][2].
Range: Australia - Tasmania, Victoria.
Habitat: Wet peaty places in alpine, sub-alpine and montane zones, to 1,200 metres[2].
Edibility: Fruit - raw. Succulent[1]. Sweet, but with little flavour[2]. The bright blue fruit is about 7mm in diameter[1][2].
The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[3].
Usage: A yellow dye is obtained from the wood, it does not require a mordant[3].
Pollinators: Wind
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 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 Knees, Sabina. The New Plantsman Volume 2. Royal Horticultural Society, 1995.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.