Herb latin name: Coprosma foetidissima


Family: Rubiaceae (Madder Family)



Edible parts of Coprosma foetidissima:

Fruit - raw. Sweet, but with little flavour. The orange fruit is about 8mm long. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
5 m
(16 feet)

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

From the coast to sub-alpine forests, shrubland and occasionally in grassland, North, South, Stewart and Aukland Islands.

Other uses of Coprosma foetidissima:

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

Propagation of the herb:

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.

Cultivation of Coprosma foetidissima:

From the coast to sub-alpine forests, shrubland and occasionally in grassland, North, South, Stewart and Aukland Islands.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Coprosma foetidissima:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.