clings to north island coastal cliffs

Size
Height: 0.5–1 m, Spread: 1–2 m, spreading ground cover
Lifespan
10–20 years
Diet
Photosynthetic. Draws energy from sunlight. Obtains nutrients from well-drained, often poor soils.
Habitat
Coastal cliffs, sand dunes, rocky areas and open scrub. Prefers well-drained, often poor soils with full sun. Tolerates salt spray, wind and drought.
Range
North Island from Northland to Wellington. Most common in coastal and lowland areas. Restricted to North Island. Endemic to New Zealand.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
Habitat loss from coastal development is primary threat. Climate change affecting coastal habitats. No significant pest or disease issues.
Population
Populations considered stable but localised. Species common in coastal areas of North Island. Threatened by ongoing coastal development.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
Human Risk
harmless
Handling Note
native shrub, safe to handle
Conservation Note
Endemic shrub; widespread in lowland and montane forests throughout New Zealand.
Assessment
NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
Te Ao Māori
In Māori tradition this Coprosma used for berries. Dense, spreading growth provided shelter for small birds and lizards. Plant also used in traditional medicines. Plant of coast. Gathered by those who knew cliffs and dunes. Resource from exposed places. Berry for birds. Shelter for lizards.
Wind blows against it constantly. Coprosma kirkii is low, spreading shrub. Makes excellent ground cover for exposed coastal sites. Plant that hugs ground. Has small, glossy, dark green leaves. Crowded along stems. Creating dense, almost impenetrable mat. Leaves oval-shaped. Up to 1 centimetre long. Smooth, shiny surface reflects sunlight. Stems slender and wiry. Branching frequently. Forming dense, twiggy network. Hugs ground. Plant that does not let wind through. Plant produces masses of small white flowers in spring. Inconspicuous individually but noticeable in aggregate. Covering shrub in pale cream blanket. Followed by bright red berries. Valuable food source for native birds. Berries small, round, glossy. Appearing in autumn and persisting into winter. Kirk's Coprosma extremely hardy. Tolerating salt spray, wind and drought. Grows on coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and rocky areas. Few other plants survive there. Dense, spreading growth helps stabilise soil. Preventing erosion. Roots go deep into sand or cliff face. Anchoring plant against wind. Species named after botanist Thomas Kirk. 1828-1898. Made significant contributions to New Zealand botany. To find Kirk's Coprosma is to walk coastal cliffs of North Island. Coastal cliff bare. Coprosma spreads. Glossy leaves dark green. Red berries bright. Wind blows. Plant holds on. Does not know named after botanist. Just wants to hold cliff together. Dense growth provides shelter for small birds and lizards. That is job. No one told it otherwise.