Family
Rubiaceae

Distribution
One of the toughest coprosmas, it is found in coastal areas from North Cape to as far south as Greymouth.

Description
A shrub or small tree up to 8m tall, its leaves are thick, very shiny on both surfaces, 6-8cm long by 4-5cm wide, but about half that size in exposed coastal habitats. The stipules have a row of blackish glands. The flowers are inconspicuous on the separate male and female plants, but the orange to red berries borne by the female plant are about 1cm long and birds love them.

Cultivation
Coprosma repens can tolerate very exposed, dry conditions but not waterlogged or wet soil. Cannot tolerate any more than a very light frost. It can tolerate light shade, but in deep shade tends to lose its form. In warm areas where it grows vigorously it may need some pruning and in wet, warm or humid conditions may be prone to Phythophthora. It can be sculpted into interesting shapes in wind exposed sites, but also suits a garden site where it can be a backdrop to contrasting plants.