Karamu

Scientific name: Coprosma robusta
English name: glossy karamu

Pioneer Tree, shrub (under 10m) - native to the Wellington Region
Suits: damp, dry, partial shade, sunny, shelter, exposure, coastal forest garden, coastal and dune garden, small garden or balcony, wetlands and water features

About Karamu

One of our best known coprosma species and also one of the best species for establising shelter or new bush. Grows up to 6 meters tall with glossy and leathery leaves and masses of fruit for birds, lizards and insect like weta. The masses fruits also known as drupe can ripe all year in some cases, but often in autumn. Fruit however takes a year to ripe.. They can be orange to red, up to a cm long and have a slight sweet taste. Branches and branchlets spreading with often dark green shining leaves 5-13cm long and 3-4 cm wide. Can be grown in a wide range of situations and is very hardy, but intolerant of deep shade, preferring open, sunny placement.

A fast growing colonising shrub used for revegetation projects.
 

Provides for birds