shining karamū
about.
Coprosma lucida | karamū, shining karamū
A tough, evergreen small tree or shrub, reaching up to 6 meters tall, making it ideal for coastal projects and various climates. It features large, thick, glossy bright green leaves that are paler underneath, and thrives with sufficient moisture and some shade, though it tolerates challenging coastal shrubland conditions. Its red/orange berries, produced from January to June, are excellent for attracting birds like bellbirds, tūī, and waxeyes, and its flowers also attract bees. This hardy plant is perfect for creating low shelter or hedging, adding year-round interest to native gardens.
typical habitat.
coastal scrub
coastal forest
shrubland
drainage.
dry
free draining
well drained
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 6m
width | 3m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | August - December
fruiting | January - June
did you know?
Shining karamū held significant cultural importance for Māori. Its bark contains lucidin, an anthraquinone molecule that was used as a dye pigment. Additionally, the size of the fruit served as an indicator for Māori to assess the health of the forest annually.
