A worldwide community photographing and learning about wildlife
Project Noah Nature School
Coprosma robusta
The most widespread coprosma species found throughout New Zealand. It grows up to 6m high if given space. Leaves are dark green and quite leathery. It flowers in spring and produces bright red/orange drupes or berries in large clusters.
An excellent colonizer in regenerating forest and scrub areas, it is also a great food source for many birds who help spread the seed.
The first image shows a cluster of ripe drupes with a couple bursting to show small white seed, the third image shows drupes in the process of ripening.
Spotted on Apr 11, 2015
Submitted on Apr 11, 2015
1 Comment
Hi Polilla, Coprosma robusta is one of the main lowland species of coprosma. Its not really suited to formal garden planting as, if left, grows into quite a large unruly shrub. However I believe there are a number of ornamental cultivars that have been produced from the gene pool. For attracting birdlife it is regularly used in areas where regeneration of native bush is required, as a primary self seeding colonizer.