stiff karamu

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.

coastal forest

lowland forest

montane forest

moist

wet

well drained

free draining

full sun

partial shade

height | 4m

width | 2m

flowering | November – December

fruiting | March – May 

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.