Rough Coprosma (Coprosma hirtella)

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

Coprosma hirtella is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. 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

Sweetish but not pleasant. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; Sweetish but not pleasant.; The dark red fruit is about 6mm in diameter.; The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Banks of streams, higher gullies and mountain sides to the sub-alpine zone. (Zone 8)