Shining Karamu

Coprosma lucida

Not Threatened

Introduction

Introduction Overview

Shining Karamu, known scientifically as Coprosma lucida , is a distinctive native shrub renowned for its glossy, leathery leaves that give it both its common name and striking visual appeal throughout the year. This medium -sized shrub typically grows 2-4 meters tall with an upright, branching habit, featuring oval to oblong leaves 2-6cm long with a characteristic bright, shiny surface that reflects light beautifully and creates an attractive contrast in native plantings. Endemic to New Zealand and found naturally in coastal to montane forests throughout both islands, Shining Karamu produces small white flowers in clusters during spring, followed by bright orange to red drupes that are eagerly consumed by native birds including tui, bellbirds, and kereru. The plant 's robust constitution makes it highly adaptable to cultivation, thriving in both sun and partial shade with excellent drought tolerance once established, while its dense foliage provides valuable shelter for small birds and its berries support native wildlife, making it an outstanding choice for wildlife gardens, shelter plantings, and restoration projects where its glossy foliage adds year-round beauty and ecological value. native shrubs

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Image credit: Shining Karamu (Coprosma lucida) - Photo by Wikipedia contributors, via Wikipedia

Plant Description

Botanical Features

Coprosma lucida, commonly known as Shining Karamu, is a distinctive evergreen shrub or small tree endemic to New Zealand, typically growing up to 5 to 6 meters tall. It is renowned for its glossy, leathery, elliptical leaves, typically 12-17 cm long, which are dark green and shiny on the upper surface and paler underneath. A prominent midrib protrudes from both surfaces, and the underside often features domatia (small pits). It produces small white or green flowers in spring, followed by small clusters of oblong, yellow-orange to orange fruits that ripen in autumn. The roots and inner bark are yellow. It is commonly found in coastal areas, lowland forests, or shrublands throughout New Zealand, thriving in moist, well-drained, mildly acidic to neutral soils in semi-shade or full sun.

Quick Facts

Quick Facts Overview

Table data
Scientific Name	Coprosma lucida
Height	Up to 6 m (20 ft)
Spread	2-4 m
Water Needs	Moderate (tolerates some drought once established)
Light	Full sun to part shade
Frost Tolerance	Moderate (tolerates light frost)
Salt Tolerance	Moderate (tolerates some coastal exposure)
Growth Rate	Fast
Lifespan	Several decades

Climate Best Suited to

Thrives in cool, moist conditions typical of New Zealand forests . Prefers temperatures between 8-20°C. Tolerates light frosts and high humidity.

Regional Suitability

Shining karamu is found throughout New Zealand, especially in lowland and coastal forests.

Table data
City	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

Natural Habitat

Natural Habitat Overview

Coprosma is naturally found in specific habitats throughout New Zealand. Understanding its natural environment helps in providing appropriate growing conditions in cultivation.

Plant Conservation

Conservation Status and Efforts

Coprosma lucida (Shining Karamu) is currently classified as "Not Threatened" under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, reflecting its relatively stable populations across both North and South Islands. This endemic shrub maintains healthy populations in coastal to montane forests, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to New Zealand's diverse forest ecosystems from sea level to approximately 1,200 meters elevation.

However, like many native forest species, Shining Karamu faces ongoing pressures from habitat fragmentation, invasive weeds, and browsing by introduced mammals such as possums and deer. Conservation efforts focus on protecting remnant forest habitats, controlling invasive plant species that compete for resources, and maintaining ecological corridors that allow for genetic diversity between populations. The species plays a crucial role in forest succession and bird habitat provision, making its conservation essential for broader ecosystem health.

Restoration projects throughout New Zealand actively use Shining Karamu in revegetation efforts due to its fast growth rate, wildlife value, and ability to establish quickly in disturbed sites. Its glossy foliage and colorful berries make it valuable for both ecological restoration and urban native plantings, helping to reconnect fragmented forest habitats while providing food and shelter for native birds including tui, bellbirds, and kereru.

Soil

Moist, well-draining, fertile soils are best. Tolerates a range of soil types.

Light

Full sun to part shade. Grows well in dappled forest light.

Water

Moderate water needs. Water regularly during dry spells.

Planting Guide

When to Plant

The best time to plant Coprosma is during spring or autumn when soil temperatures are moderate and rainfall is reliable.

How to Plant

Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and slightly deeper. Place Coprosma in the hole, backfill with soil, and water thoroughly. Mulch around the base to retain moisture.

Ecological Role

Wildlife Interactions

Provides fruit for native birds (e.g., bellbird, tui) and habitat for insects. Can grow as an epiphyte on tree ferns.

Uses & Significance

Garden Uses

Attractive native shrub for gardens and restoration projects
Provides food and shelter for native birds
Useful as a hedge or screen

Landscaping Uses

Landscaping Uses Overview

Coprosma is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. It can be used in various garden styles and landscape applications.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Spring

New growth appears
Apply mulch and fertilizer

Summer

Water during dry periods
Watch for pests

Autumn

Berries ripen
Collect seeds for propagation

Winter

Minimal care needed
Prune if necessary

Pruning

Pruning Techniques

Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape. Remove dead or damaged branches.

Regular pruning of Coprosma helps maintain its health and desired shape. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of pest and disease problems.

For most native plants, light pruning throughout the growing season is better than heavy pruning at once. This approach encourages healthy new growth while maintaining the plant's natural form and character.

How to Grow Shining Karamu

From Seed

Difficulty: Moderate

Shining Karamu (Coprosma lucida) can be grown from seed collected from fully ripe orange fruit. Macerate in water and clean thoroughly to remove pulp. Sow into a seedâraising mix and cover lightly (2-3 mm). Maintain bright light, gentle warmth (15-22 °C), and even moisture. Germination is often slow and irregular (4-10+ weeks); prick out to a sandy, gritty mix and harden off before planting. For coastal sites, mulching with coarse sand or fine gravel helps conserve moisture and mimics natural dune substrates. Seedâraised plants establish strongly with sun to light shade and sharp drainage; avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.

Shelter young plants from strong salt winds during their first season; thereafter they handle coastal exposure well. Light, occasional pruning after fruiting maintains shape and encourages fresh growth without reducing berries.

From Semiâhardwood Cuttings

Difficulty: Easy

Take 6-8 cm semiâhardwood cuttings from healthy, nonâflowering shoots in late spring to early autumn. Remove lower leaves, lightly wound the base if stems are smooth, and treat with a lowâtoâmoderate rooting hormone. Insert into a coarse, fastâdraining medium (e.g., 1:1 perlite:coarse sand). Provide bright light, high humidity without prolonged leaf wetness, and gentle bottom heat (18-22 °C). Keep just moist; roots usually form within 4-8 weeks. Pot on into a sandy, wellâdrained mix and harden off before planting. Maintain spacing to encourage airflow in humid climates to reduce scale and sooty mould.

Pests and Diseases

Common Pests

Coprosma is generally resistant to most pests due to its native adaptations. However, it may occasionally be affected by common garden pests such as aphids or scale insects.

Disease Prevention

To prevent diseases, ensure good air circulation around Coprosma and avoid overwatering. Remove any diseased plant material promptly to prevent spread.

Cultural Significance

Shining Karamu (Coprosma lucida) holds cultural significance for Mori, who traditionally used various parts of the plant. Its berries were a food source, and the leaves and bark were used in rongo (traditional Mori medicine) for their medicinal properties. The plant's presence in forests also contributed to traditional ecological knowledge, highlighting the interconnectedness of native flora and fauna.

Bonus Tip

To truly make your Shining Karamu (Coprosma lucida) live up to its name, ensure it receives adequate sunlight. While it tolerates partial shade, its leaves will develop the most vibrant, glossy sheen when exposed to several hours of direct sun each day. For an extra boost, a high-nitrogen liquid fertiliser can be applied in early spring to encourage lush, leafy growth. Furthermore, if you're looking to attract native birds to your garden, avoid over-pruning. The bright orange-red berries are a favourite food source for t««, bellbirds, and kerer«, so leaving plenty of branches to fruit will turn your garden into a lively bird sanctuary.