Coprosma areolata
Thin-leaved Coprosma is an elegant evergreen shrub reaching 2-4 meters tall, distinguished by its small, narrow leaves with distinctive parallel veining and delicate appearance. This graceful species produces masses of tiny bright orange berries that create beautiful displays against the fine-textured foliage. Found in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand, it's valued for its refined appearance and excellent bird habitat qualities. The delicate leaf structure and abundant small berries make it an attractive choice among New Zealand's native shrubs
Image credit: Thin-leaved Coprosma (Coprosma areolata). Wikipedia
| Scientific Name | Coprosma areolata |
|---|---|
| Height | 2-4 meters |
| Spread | 2-3 meters |
| Water Needs | Moderate |
| Light | Partial shade to full sun |
| Frost Tolerance | High (hardy to -10°C) |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 50-80 years |
Thin-leaved Coprosma grows throughout New Zealand from sea level to 1200 meters elevation in lowland and montane forests. It thrives in cool, moist climates with regular rainfall and performs best in areas with good humidity and protection from extreme heat. This species is well-adapted to forest understory conditions.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Thin-leaved Coprosma adapts to various soil conditions:
Thin-leaved Coprosma tolerates various light levels:
Thin-leaved Coprosma has moderate water needs:
Thin-leaved Coprosma responds well to light pruning and shaping:
Use sharp, clean tools and take care with the delicate branches. The fine leaf texture makes this species attractive for detailed pruning work.
Plant Thin-leaved Coprosma during autumn or spring when soil conditions are favorable. This moderately hardy species establishes well when planted during mild weather periods.
Choose a site with:
Provide regular watering and protection from harsh conditions during first 1-2 years until established. The delicate foliage benefits from consistent care during establishment.
Thin-leaved Coprosma propagates well from the small orange berries:
Note the extremely small seed size requires careful handling and fine seed-raising mix.
Vegetative propagation is successful with proper technique:
Mature plants may develop multiple stems suitable for division:
Thin-leaved Coprosma has contributed to New Zealand's forest ecology and cultural landscape with its distinctive appearance and reliable berry production:
Today, Thin-leaved Coprosma is appreciated in native gardens for its refined appearance and wildlife value. Its moderate size and elegant form make it ideal for smaller native gardens where the more robust Coprosma species might be too large.
The delicate nature of Thin-leaved Coprosma's foliage makes it more sensitive to pest damage than larger-leaved species. Regular monitoring and preventive care are beneficial.
Use Thin-leaved Coprosma as an elegant understory shrub beneath larger natives where its delicate foliage creates beautiful textural contrast. The masses of tiny orange berries attract silvereyes, fantails, and other small native birds, creating a lively feeding area. Its moderate size and refined appearance make it perfect for smaller native gardens where subtlety and elegance are preferred over bold statement plantings.
Learn more about the cultural significance of native shrubs in Cultural Plants.
Coprosma areolata is a refined, small‑leaved shrub with thin, narrow blades and delicate branchlets, bearing numerous tiny orange berries. The airy habit and small leaves create subtle texture in plantings.
Lowland to montane forest margins, damp gullies, and light scrub on free‑draining soils with reasonable moisture and dappled light.
Flowers support insects; abundant small berries feed silvereyes and other birds, aiding local dispersal. Dense inner branching provides micro‑habitat for invertebrates.
Successful cultivation of Coprosma areolata requires understanding its natural forest understory preferences and creating conditions that provide filtered light, consistent moisture, and protection from extreme environmental conditions while maintaining excellent drainage.
Thin-leaved Coprosma's forest understory heritage demands specific cultivation conditions that replicate the filtered light, consistent moisture, and organic-rich soils of its natural woodland habitat.
Thin-leaved Coprosma rewards thoughtful care with decades of reliable performance and minimal maintenance requirements, thriving with consistent attention to moisture management and occasional light pruning.
Thin-leaved Coprosma serves as an important understory species within New Zealand's forest ecosystems, providing essential habitat structure, food resources, and ecological services that support diverse wildlife communities and forest health.
Thin-leaved Coprosma offers exceptional versatility for creating naturalistic forest gardens and providing wildlife habitat while adding refined textural interest through its delicate foliage and colorful berry displays.
Professional cultivation success depends on replicating the filtered light and consistent moisture conditions of natural forest understory environments while providing protection from environmental extremes.
While currently not threatened, Thin-leaved Coprosma represents important biodiversity within New Zealand's forest ecosystems and contributes to the genetic diversity of the Coprosma genus that is crucial for ecosystem resilience.
Coprosma (karamū, kanono and allies) supplied berries and materials in traditional life and now support native birds in restoration plantings. Use eco‑sourced stock and avoid planting garden hybrids near remnant native populations.
