Description
Coprosma crassifolia or Mingimingi is a dense shrub with wide-angled, rigid, reddish branches covered in small round, glossy, dark green leaves. The branches are slender and slightly orange in colour, covered in fine hairs when young and more sculptural when mature. Coprosma crassifolia has a tight upright habit and white berries that attract birds and geckos. Suitable for riparian revegetation, but prefers to be higher on the bank. Does well along the coast and is naturally found from the coastal to montane regions, endemic and found throughout New Zealand. Coprosma crassifolia is very hardy and tolerant of frost, drought, wind and sea spray. Can grow up to 4 metre tall and 2 metre wide. More sparsely branched in partial shade than in the full sun.
Small-leaved Coprosmas are good for revegetation projects, hedging, and adding texture to a garden. They are evergreen and suited to full sun to part shade. Ideal for revegetation projects as they produce berries from January to April that are dispersed by fruit-eating animals (frugivory). They also provide habitat for New Zealand’s declining lizard and gecko populations. As attractors of these small animals, they are a pioneer shrub in revegetation projects. Mingimingi provides a tough shelter, providing good food for native birds and lizards, as well as ground cover for these.
