hūpiro
Coprosma foetidissima | hūpiro, stinkwood
Ideal for revegetation projects, this shrub has slender, pale green leaves that give off a strong, unpleasant smell when crushed. The leaves have a broader middle that tapers to both the tip and the base. Small, dark teeth are located between the bases of the leaf pairs. The plant produces attractive solitary flowers, which are followed by distinctive yellow or orange fruits. The contrast between the bright green foliage and the red berries is quite striking. It can be useful as a deterrent hedge.
typical habitat.
coastal forest
lowland forest
montane forest
subalpine forest
shrubland
drainage.
moist
sun.
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 4m
width | 2m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October - November
fruiting | March - July
did you know?
The plant's most distinctive characteristic is the unpleasant smell of rotten cabbage that its leaves release when crushed. This odor is caused by the sulphur compound, methanethiol (or methyl mercaptan).