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(Coprosma robusta)
Karamu (Coprosma robusta)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-06-05T15:55:48-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Coprosma robusta, commonly known as Karamu, is an evergreen shrub native to the coastal forests, stream banks, and scrublands of New Zealand, including the Chatham Islands. It can grow up to 20 feet (6 meters) tall and is characterized by its glossy, dark green leaves and robust, upright growth habit. The small, white, axillary flowers are sexually dimorphic, with male and female flowers appearing on separate plants. Flowering occurs from August to September, with the male flowers being more conspicuous. The fruit, which ripens from April to May, is an oblong to narrow ovate drupe, typically dark orange-red to red, and is attractive to birds.
Karamu is valued for its hardiness and the dense foliage it provides, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and shelter belts in cultivation. It is also used for revegetation projects due to its fast growth rate and adaptability to a range of soil types, from well-drained to moist conditions. Karamu prefers full sun to partial shade and is relatively low maintenance once established. However, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. In areas where it is not invasive, Karamu can be a vibrant addition to wildlife gardens, providing food for birds and insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Karamu is valued for its hardiness and the dense foliage it provides, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and shelter belts in cultivation. It is also used for revegetation projects due to its fast growth rate and adaptability to a range of soil types, from well-drained to moist conditions. Karamu prefers full sun to partial shade and is relatively low maintenance once established. However, it is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. In areas where it is not invasive, Karamu can be a vibrant addition to wildlife gardens, providing food for birds and insects.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 12-15 feet
- Width: 5-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal forests, stream banks, and scrublands of New Zealand
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Coprosma robusta, Coprosma coffaeoides,
GBIF Accepted Name: Coprosma robusta Raoul