Skip to content
IIIFolio · plant profile№ B25Fedible
Data provenancePermapeopleTrefleWikipediaPFAFPOWOreviewed 17 Oct 2026methodology → read

Coprosma rugosa

Coprosma rugosa
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
edibleshrubsedible
Updated·Quick Q&A →
Garden journal pausedUse profile notes below
Coprosma rugosa (Coprosma rugosa) — botanical photograph
Pl. B25F — Coprosma rugosa
Coprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosaCoprosma rugosa
I

Overview

Coprosma rugosa, commonly known as copro or New Zealand copro, is a shrub native to the Antipodean Islands and various regions of New Zealand. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture. Hardy from zones 6-9, it can grow up to 3 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, Coprosma rugosa is both ornamental and useful as a food source, adding a unique presence to gardens and landscapes while providing sustenance. One distinctive feature of this plant is its wrinkled leaves, which give the species its scientific name 'rugosa,' meaning wrinkled in Latin. While primarily used for its fruit and ornamental value, it can also be used as a hedgerow or for dye.

Quick answers

What is Coprosma rugosa?

Coprosma rugosa, commonly known as copro or New Zealand copro, is a shrub native to the Antipodean Islands and various regions of New Zealand. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, this plant prefers moist, well-drained soil that is light (sandy) or medium in texture.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
V

Cultivation

Coprosma rugosa thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-draining soil that is light (sandy) to medium in texture. It is hardy in zones 6-9 and can grow up to 3 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, and provide ample sunlight, though partial shade can also be suitable. Propagation can be done through cuttings. The fruit of this plant is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Coprosma rugosa for the first time

8steps

Start with planting Coprosma rugosa in a sunny spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance addition to your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Coprosma rugosa plants or seeds, potting mix, water.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring or autumn when the weather is mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use a well-draining soil with some sand for better drainage. Ensure containers have holes at the bottom.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant young plants from nursery pots into your garden bed, spacing them about 1 meter apart.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for the first few days.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Prune lightly in spring.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune to maintain shape or remove dead branches as needed, usually done in late winter.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting pruning.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Coffee
Other uses:DyeHedgerow
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

3 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across0 continents· 3 native
Broader regions
native:Antipodean Is., New Zealand North, New Zealand South
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Coprosma rugosa (Coprosma rugosa) — botanical photograph
Coprosma rugosa (Coprosma rugosa)
XI

Explore further

XII

About this entry

Last updated
Citation
How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · b25fe616-698c-4134-a7bb-0f9b87dacf48
Decision aid
Choosing between Coprosma rugosa and something else?
Compare with another plant

Continue reading

❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates

Get archive updates

Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.

Newsletter returning soon.
We are rebuilding the update list around a lightweight editorial workflow. New dispatches will resume after the next content review cycle.
iCare notes