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Common Name:

General Information

Coprosma moorei is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.10 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - Tasmania, Victoria.

Habitat

Wet peaty places in alpine, sub-alpine and montane zones, to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[]. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[]. This species is proving to be very difficult to grow in Britain[].
Somewhat intolerant of frost, plants are only likely to succeed outdoors in the milder areas of Britain[].
Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[, ].
Unlike most members of this genus, this species is hermaphrodite[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. Succulent[]. Sweet, but with little flavour[]. The bright blue fruit is about 7mm in diameter[, ].
The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A yellow dye is obtained from the wood, it does not require a mordant[].

Propagation

Seed - probably best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse or cold frame[]. Sow stored seed in spring in a cold frame[]. Germination can be slow, often taking more than 12 months even when fresh seed is used[]. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, prick them out into individual pots. Grow on the plants for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Give the plants some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors[].
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, autumn in a frame.