dominates the coastal forest margins

Size
Height: 4–6 m, Spread: 2–4 m, can reach 8 m
Lifespan
50–80 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from fertile well-drained soils in open environments.
Habitat
Open sites in coastal and lowland forest forest margins scrub and disturbed areas. Prefers fertile well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade. Tolerates wind and salt spray.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in coastal and lowland areas. One of most widespread Coprosma species.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is primary threat. Browsing by introduced possums and deer. No significant pest or disease issues. Classified as Not Threatened.
Population
Populations considered stable and widespread. Species common in coastal and lowland areas throughout New Zealand. Not threatened by habitat loss because it thrives in disturbed sites.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native shrub, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub or small tree; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition karamū was valued for berries which were eaten by birds and sometimes by people. Leaves used in medicines. Wood used for small tools. Plant also used as dye. Karamū recognised as sign of regenerating forest and healthy bird populations. Presence indicated forest was recovering and birds would return.
Sunlight hits the forest edge. Coprosma robusta is one of most common and easily recognised Coprosma species. Spreading branches and leathery dark green leaves up to 12 centimetres long. Finely toothed margins. Small insignificant flowers followed by masses of showy orange-red berries. Sought after by native birds. Fast-growing pioneer shrub. Often one of first plants to appear in regenerating forest. Leaves are opposite glossy on upper surface and paler underneath. Leaf margins finely toothed. Feature that distinguishes karamū from other Coprosma species. Stems stout and hairy when young becoming smooth with age. Bark is dark grey and rough. Karamū flowers in spring. Flowers small and greenish not particularly showy but produce abundance of nectar that attracts insects. Berries ripen in autumn and winter turning bright orange-red. Important food source for kererū tūī and bellbirds. Which eat fruit and disperse seeds. Species widely used in restoration planting because it grows quickly tolerates range of conditions and provides food for birds. Also planted as hedge or screen in gardens. Karamū can be pruned to maintain desired shape and size. Hardy and relatively disease-free. To find karamū is to find common shrub of forest edge. Fast-growing bird-friendly and resilient. Pioneer that prepares way for slower-growing trees. Shrub of regenerating forest. One that appears first and stays longest. It carries on regardless.