Family
Rubiaceae

Distribution
Found in lowland to higher montane: {The lower vegetation belt on mountains} grassland, stream margins and rocky places of subalpine or alpine regions of both the North and South Islands.

Description
A creeping coprosma which forms dense, flat mats that can spread up to 2m in diameter, although 30-40cm would be common in a garden situation. The sessile: {Attached by the base, as a leaf issuing directly from the stem} leaves are a rich green colour, and are usually about 5mm long and 2mm wide. The branchlets root along the ground. It flowers in spring, but these are green and insignificant in appearance. Its translucent drupes: {A fleshy fruit, usually having a single hard stone that encloses a seed. Also called stone fruit.} are more noticeable, these are 6-8mm long, usually ripe by April and vary in colour from greenish-white through green or pale blue to orange-red, purplish-red or claret coloured. Male and female flowers are produced separately and its small fleshy fruits are eaten by many birds.

Cultivation
Plant in full sun where it needs an exposed area with few plants around it. Although it will tolerate arid conditions, it does best in a rich, well-drained, moist soil. It can be used as a larger leaved substitute for the Sceleranthus species.