Atropurpurea Mirror-Bush (Coprosma atropurpurea)

Family: Rubiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Coprosma atropurpurea is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year, in flower from July to August. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Sweet, but with little flavour. — Sweet, but with little flavour.; The wine-red fruit is about 8 - 12mm in diameter.; The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland to higher montane regions in tussock grass, stream margins, rocky places and dry river beds on North and South Islands. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)