Family:
Rubiaceae
Coprosma quadrifida
Prickly Currant Bush
Other Names:
Name Origin:
Coprosma — from Greek kopros, excrement, and osme, smell, referring to fetid leaf smell on most species.
quadrifida — from Latin quadri, four and fida meaning split into four parts.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted only in Upper Gilmore. Possibly also in surrounding areas in similar country.
Australia:
NSW, Vic, Tas.
Habitat:
Damp sites in woodland, sclerophyll forest and cool-temperate rainforest. Usually along creeks.
Habit:
Prickly, slender, open, upright shrub, 2-4 m high. Very small, crowded shiny olive-green leaves.
Site Preference:
Protected, semi-shaded position in moist soil. Accepts poor drainage and seasonal waterlogging to 10 cm deep. Drought sensitive. Tolerates salt.
Flowering:
Greenish, summer. Inconspicuous.
Seed Collection:
Dec-Feb. Small red globular edible berries.
Propagation:
From fresh seed or stem cuttings, which strike readily. Remove flesh from fruit and sow seeds soon after collection. Do not allow seed to dry. Seedlings usually appear in flush of germination, up to 5 months after sowing.
Regeneration:
Frequently germinates on trunks of tree ferns where they grow as epiphytes.
VALUES:
Wildlife:
Native birds eat fruit.
Ornamental:
Useful for screening, hedges and barriers in wet, shady, cool positions. Blends well with ferns. Prune regularly to maintain neat shape.
Other:
Edible fruits sweet and slightly astringent and can be used in cooking.