Coprosma Pedicellata
Coprosma pedicellata
Coprosma pedicellata is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 9 meters tall. It typically has an erect to twisted trunk with brown or grey-brown bark and an orange inner bark. Its branches are numerous, spreading, somewhat divaricating, and leafy. native shrubs
Plant Description
The adult leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, densely clustered on short shoots, and are dull yellow-green with cream flecks, measuring 10-12 mm long and 3-5 mm wide. They are obovate to narrowly obovate with an obtuse to retuse apex. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are on separate plants. The flowers are axillary, solitary or paired, pedicellate, and pendulous. Male flowers are larger and more numerous than female flowers. The fruit is a globose, dark purple to black drupe.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Coprosma pedicellata |
|---|---|
| Height | Up to 9m |
| Spread | Up to 4m |
| Water Needs | High |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Lifespan | Long |
Climate Best Suited to
Coprosma pedicellata is endemic to New Zealand, primarily found in the eastern parts of the North and South Islands. It inhabits wetlands, particularly Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides) dominated lowland alluvial forests, often at the margins of small oxbow lakes, ponds, or former stream/river channels. It is highly tolerant of waterlogging and can even grow within water.
Regional Suitability
| 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 |
Plant Habitat
This species thrives in cool winter-wet/warm summer-dry habitats, typically on moderately fertile soils with impeded drainage, in overflow and flood channels, and alongside small streams. These sites often have slow-draining recent and gley-recent soils, enriched by dissolved nutrients and periodic input of fine suspended sediments from floods.
Plant Conservation
Although not as threatened as initially believed, Coprosma pedicellata is still considered vulnerable to habitat loss due to forest clearance, drainage, and changes in local hydrology. Seedlings are particularly susceptible to browsing by livestock, which can also damage adult plants through bark stripping. Some populations show little recruitment due to weeds suppressing seed germination. It is classified as a restricted taxon requiring active conservation management across much of its natural range.
Growing Requirements
Soil Requirements
Coprosma pedicellata prefers fertile, moist alluvial soils but can tolerate a wide variety of soils and moisture regimes once established.
- Prefers fertile, moist alluvial soils
- Tolerant of a wide variety of soils
Light Requirements
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
- Full sun
Water Requirements
Watering is crucial, especially in the first year, to establish roots.
- Regular watering when young
Planting Guide
Coprosma pedicellata is relatively easy to grow from fresh seed and can also be propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings. When planting, it's recommended to soak the rootball thoroughly, dig a hole twice the size of the root ball, and mix in compost and sheep pellets. Coprosma pedicellata is palatable to slugs, so preventative slug bait application is important.
Ecological Role
The bright orange-red fruit of Coprosma pedicellata serves as an important food source for native birds, particularly in wetland and swampy environments where it naturally occurs. This species plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of freshwater ecosystems, as its dense root system helps stabilise soil along stream banks and prevents erosion. The plant's tolerance for waterlogged conditions makes it an excellent pioneer species in wetland restoration projects. Its flowers provide nectar for native insects, while the dense branching structure offers shelter and nesting sites for small birds and other wildlife species that depend on riparian habitats.
Uses & Significance
Garden Uses
Coprosma pedicellata is an attractive shrub for wetland and riparian planting. Its tolerance of waterlogging makes it a valuable plant for difficult, wet areas.
- Wetland and riparian planting
- Specimen shrub
The genus name "Coprosma" comes from the Greek words for "dung" and "smell," referring to the genus's foul odor.
- Genus name refers to foul odor
Ecological Value
The fruit of Coprosma pedicellata is a food source for native birds.
- Food source for native birds
Landscaping Uses
In a landscaping context, Coprosma pedicellata is an excellent choice for a wetland or riparian planting. It can be used as a hedge or as a specimen shrub. Its tolerance of waterlogging makes it a very useful plant for wet areas.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring
In spring, new growth will appear. This is a good time to lightly prune the plant to maintain its shape.
- Lightly prune to shape
Summer
During summer, regular watering is beneficial, especially during dry spells.
- Water regularly
Autumn
In autumn, the fruit will ripen. This is a good time to collect seed for propagation.
- Collect seed
Winter
In winter, the plant is largely dormant. Pruning is generally not required.
- Minimal care required
When to Prune and How Much
Coprosma pedicellata can be lightly pruned in spring to maintain its shape.
- Lightly prune to shape in spring
Always use clean, sharp tools for pruning to minimize the risk of disease.
How to Grow Coprosma pedicellata
From Seed
Coprosma pedicellata is relatively easy to grow from fresh seed, offering excellent germination rates when proper techniques are employed. Seed stratification in a refrigerator with moist peat, aerating weekly, has shown rapid and consistently high germination rates. Fresh seeds have significantly better viability than stored seeds, making immediate processing crucial for success. The species produces berries that ripen in autumn, typically between March and May, with optimal seed collection occurring when fruits have developed their characteristic bright coloration but before they become overripe and soft.
Collect ripe berries when they are firm but fully colored, typically orange to red depending on the specific population. Remove the fleshy fruit pulp completely by gently mashing berries in water and floating away the flesh, leaving clean seeds. Surface sterilize seeds with diluted fungicide solution to prevent damping-off diseases during the germination process. Sow immediately in well-drained seed-raising mix containing equal parts quality potting mix, coarse sand, and perlite for optimal drainage and aeration.
Maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging, keeping soil temperature between 15-20°C for optimal germination conditions. Provide bright, indirect light and good air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Germination typically occurs within 4-12 weeks but can occasionally take up to 6 months, so patience is essential. Once seedlings have developed their second set of true leaves, transplant carefully to individual containers using a moisture-retentive but well-draining potting mix suitable for native plants.
From Cuttings
Coprosma pedicellata can also be successfully propagated from semi-hardwood cuttings taken during summer or autumn when new growth has begun to mature. This method allows for faster establishment than seed propagation and ensures identical characteristics to the parent plant. Select healthy, disease-free shoots from the current season's growth, avoiding flowering shoots which have lower success rates.
Take cuttings approximately 10-15cm long, making clean cuts with sharp, sterile secateurs just below a leaf node. Remove all leaves from the bottom third of the cutting and trim remaining leaves by half to reduce water loss during the rooting process. Dip the base of each cutting in rooting hormone powder or gel containing IBA (indole-3-butyric acid) at 3000-4000ppm concentration, which significantly improves rooting success rates.
Plant cuttings in a well-drained cutting mix composed of equal parts coarse sand, perlite, and peat moss or coconut coir. Insert cuttings to approximately one-third their length, ensuring at least two nodes are buried in the growing medium. Maintain consistent moisture levels and high humidity (70-80%) using misting systems or plastic covers. Place containers in a warm, bright position with filtered light, avoiding direct sunlight which can cause leaf scorch. Root development typically occurs within 6-10 weeks under optimal conditions.
Pests & Diseases
While generally pest and disease-resistant, they can occasionally be affected by scale insects, aphids, and powdery mildew. Coprosma pedicellata is palatable to slugs, so preventative slug bait application is important.
Cultural Significance
Within mātauranga Māori, several Coprosma species (for example karamū) are referenced for ecological value and, in some cases, small seasonal food. There are no widely published traditional uses specific to Coprosma pedicellata, but as a native, fruiting shrub it contributes to mahinga kai for birds and to the resilience of the ngahere.
- Genus includes species used or noted in rongoā
- Fruits provide kai for native birds
- No species-specific uses widely recorded
Bonus Tip
The name "pedicellata" refers to the plant's stalked flowers, which distinguish it from other coprosma species that have sessile (stalkless) flowers. Look for this key identifying feature when trying to distinguish Coprosma pedicellata from similar species. The flower stalks (pedicels) are typically 2-5mm long and become more prominent as the flowers develop into fruit. This structural difference, combined with the plant's preference for wet habitats, makes it relatively easy to identify in the field.
Related Plants
Explore other native shrubs that share similar characteristics or habitats with Coprosma pedicellata, offering further insights into New Zealand's diverse flora.