Robusta Mirror-Bush (Coprosma robusta)

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

Coprosma robusta is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). 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

sweet but has little flavour. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit is freely borne, it is sweet but has little flavour.; The orange fruit is about 9mm long x 5mm wide.; The roasted seed is a coffee substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland forest and shrubland, especially on alluvial soils, on North, South and Chatham Islands, south to latitude 45°south. (Zone 8)