Mountain Currant - Coprosma nitida (Shining coprosma) seeds

Coprosma nitida
Common Names: Shining Coprosma

Quick Facts

• Height: 1–2 meters
• Foliage: Glossy, crowded leaves with occasional spines on branchlets
• Flowers: Dioecious, wind-pollinated; male and female plants are required for seed production
• Fruit: Red to orange fleshy fruits, 5–10 mm long, ripening in summer and autumn
• Soil: Light (sandy) to medium (loamy), well-drained
• pH: Acidic to neutral
• Light: Semi-shade to full sun
• Hardiness: Frost and snow hardy
• Wildlife Attraction: Fruits are popular with silvereyes

Why Grow Coprosma nitida?
Coprosma nitida is a hardy, ornamental shrub that thrives in cooler climates, offering year-round greenery and striking red-orange fruits in summer and autumn. Its compact size and spiny branches provide excellent habitat for small birds, while its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for low-maintenance landscapes.

Bush Food Note

• Fruit:
  • Eaten raw or used in pies, cakes, and tarts.
  • Fruits were historically used in puddings by early settlers.
• Seeds: Roasted seeds are a substitute for coffee.

How to Grow

• Sowing Instructions:

  • Pre-treat seeds by soaking in vinegar for 24 hours to several days.
  • Sow seeds lightly covered in a seed-raising mix.

• Planting and Care:

  • Space plants 2–3 meters apart.
  • Ensure the soil remains moist but well-drained.
  • Position in full sun for best fruiting but tolerates light woodland shade.

Uses in Your Garden

• Ornamental: Glossy leaves and vibrant fruits provide year-round visual interest.
• Habitat: Dense foliage and spiny branches make it an ideal refuge for small birds.
• Edible Landscape: Adds functionality to your garden with its edible fruits and seeds.

Germination Tips

• Timing: Germination occurs in 10–31 days.
• Preparation: Acid pre-treatment with vinegar is essential to trigger germination.
• Care: Keep soil consistently moist during germination.

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Add Coprosma nitida to your garden for its stunning foliage, vibrant fruits, and culinary versatility. This hardy shrub is perfect for cool-climate gardens and provides essential habitat for local wildlife. Embrace its beauty and practicality today!