Coprosma moorei aka Turquoise Coprosma

Coprosma moorei is a small evergreen shrub in the Rubiaceae family. Kew classes its growth form as a subshrub. It comes from eastern Victoria and central Tasmania in Australia. Its native range lies within a temperate climate. It grows in wet, peaty sites in mountain regions. These include alpine, subalpine and montane habitats. Records place it at heights up to 3,937 feet [1,200 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

This low plant reaches about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] tall. It keeps its leaves through the year. Its flowers contain both male and female organs. Wind carries the pollen between flowers. The species can cross with other members of its genus. Its bright blue fruit measures about 0.023 feet [0.007 metres] across. The fruit is juicy and sweet, but has little flavour. The supplied sources give no bloom season or mature spread.

In gardens, it needs moist soil that drains very well. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. It can grow in most soils if drainage is good. Choose neutral to mildly acid ground. Full sun and light shade both suit its needs. Suggested sites include sunny woodland edges and areas with dappled shade. Sites beside south-facing or west-facing walls also appear in the source. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Yet it also warns that the plant has limited frost tolerance. In Britain, outdoor growing is most likely to succeed in mild areas. Even there, the source reports that growing it is very difficult.

The fruit can be eaten raw. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute. The wood yields a yellow dye without a mordant. Plants For A Future lists no known medicinal use. It also reports no known hazards. That statement does not establish safety for pets or every use. The source does not flag the plant as weedy.

Seed and autumn cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Sow ripe seed in a greenhouse or cold frame. Stored seed can be sown in spring. Germination may take more than a year, even with fresh seed. Move seedlings into pots once large enough to handle. Keep young plants under glass through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer. Give them cold protection during their first winter outside.