shining karamū
foliage palette: dark green
fruit & flower palette: orange
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.