Coprosma rhamnoides aka Twiggy Coprosma

Coprosma rhamnoides is an evergreen shrub from New Zealand. It belongs to the Rubiaceae family. Its range includes the North, South and Stewart Islands. It grows in forests and shrubland, from lowlands into lower mountains. Kew places it within a subtropical climate range. In gardens, it reaches about 6.6 feet (2 metres) tall. It keeps its leaves through the year.

The species varies in form and crosses freely with other coprosmas. Wind carries pollen between its flowers. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. This means one plant alone cannot set seed. Grow both sexes together when fruit or seed is the aim. The dark red fruit measures about 0.16 inches (4 millimetres) across. It has a sweet taste, though little flavour.

Give this shrub moist soil that drains very well. It grows in full sun or light shade. Sandy and loamy soils suit it. Reports also note success across a wider range of soils. A neutral to mildly acid soil suits its needs. Possible sites include a sunny woodland edge or dappled shade. PFAF also lists sites beside south-facing and west-facing walls. The plant tolerates hard pruning and close clipping. This gives gardeners scope to control its shape and size.

Reports differ on how well it handles British winters. One limits outdoor growing to mild areas because frost can cause trouble. Another describes the plant as reasonably hardy in Britain. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10, but its frost warning deserves attention. Young plants need shelter during their first winter outdoors. Seed can take more than a year to sprout. Even fresh seed may be slow. Sow ripe seed in a greenhouse or cold frame. Sow stored seed in spring. Grow seedlings under glass through at least their first winter. Mature wood cuttings offer another means of raising plants.

The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Roasted seeds can serve as a coffee substitute. The wood yields a yellow dye without a mordant. PFAF gives the plant low ratings for food and other uses. It lists no known medicinal use and no known hazards. That hazard record does not establish safety for pets. PFAF does not flag the species as weedy.