stiff karamu
about.
Coprosma rigida | stiff karamu
A hardy, divaricating shrub found on shady riverbanks and damp forest edges. Its distinctive zig-zag branches bear small glossy leaves and, on female plants, white, yellow, or orange berries sometimes flecked with blue or black. These fruits support native birds and lizards, and the dense form offers valuable shelter and nesting sites.
Well suited to poorly drained or seasonally wet soils, Stiff Karamū is ideal for riparian and restoration planting, as well as wildlife-friendly gardens. Evergreen and resilient, it steadily adds structure and life to regenerating ecologies.
typical habitat.
coastal forest
lowland forest
montane forest
drainage.
moist
wet
well drained
free draining
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 4m
width | 2m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | November – December
fruiting | March – May
did you know?
Coprosma rigida is specially adapted to flood-prone habitats, where soils can be saturated for months in winter and then become dry and silty through summer — conditions only a few hardy native shrubs can tolerate.