Coprosma repens

Coprosma repens
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Gentianales
Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Coprosma
Species: C. repens
Binomial name
Coprosma repens
A. Rich.
Synonyms

Coprosma baueriana Hook. f.
Coprosma baueri auct. non Endl.
Coprosma retusa Hook. f
Coprosma stockii Williams

Coprosma repens is a species of flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Coprosma, in the family Rubiaceae, native to New Zealand.[1] Common names include taupata, mirror bush, looking-glass bush, New Zealand laurel and shiny leaf.[2][3][4]

Description

The habit of this species varies markedly with its situation. In exposed situations, such as cliffs, it assumes a prostrate habit, while in more sheltered areas it can grow as a small tree up to 8 metres in height.[5] It has thick and very glossy leaves which vary considerably in size, depending on exposure to the elements. The leaf margins are recurved, occasionally to the extent that the leaf may be cylindrical in cross-section.[5] The shiny leaves aids its survival near coastal locations.

Flowers are produced in spring and summer, the male flowers appearing in dense, compound clusters, the female flowers in smaller clusters.[3] Female plants produce orange-red ovoid drupes which are around 8 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length.[5]

Distribution

The species is native to the North Island, South Island, Kermadec Islands and Three Kings Islands in New Zealand.[5] In Australia it has become naturalised in coastal areas of Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Tasmania,[3] to the extent that it is now classified as an environmental weed.[2]

Cultivation

The species has been popular in coastal gardens due to its resistance to salt spray.[2] Although it prefers well-drained sandy soils, it can cope with heavier soils.[4]

Cluster of cream-coloured anthers on droopy white stalks
Male
Cluster of translucent purple stalks, curving upward
Female
Taupata flowers

There is a large number of cultivars:

The cultivars 'Marble Queen'[7] and 'Picturata'[8] have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

References

'Picturata' - a garden variety
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Coprosma repens.
  1. "WCSP". World Checklist of Selected Plant Families. Retrieved 2010.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Weed Identification - Looking glass bush". Weeds Australia. Australian Weeds Committee. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Coprosma repens A.Rich.". PlantNET - New South Wales Flora Online. Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney Australia. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Shiny Leaf - Coprosma repens". Environmental Weeds of the South East. Department of Environment and Heritage South Australia. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 "Coprosma repens". Flora of New Zealand Series. Landcare Research. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  6. Kirsten, Keith; Lizelle Meyer-Faedda (2001). Gardening with Keith Kirsten. Struik Press. ISBN 1868725073.
  7. "RHS Plant Selector - Coprosma repens 'Marble Queen'". Retrieved 16 June 2013.
  8. "RHS Plant Selector - Coprosma repens 'Picturata'". Retrieved 16 June 2013.