Alpine habitats are threatened by climate change. The prostrate coprosma persists. Coprosma petriei is a shrub that decided lying down was a better life choice. It grows flat against the ground. It has wiry stems, small leaves, and a determined attitude. It does not stand up. It spreads out. The leaves are small, narrow, and dark green. With a glossy surface. They are arranged in opposite pairs along the stem. The stems are tough, woody, and creeping. The fruit is a small, translucent berry. Pale blue or white. Coprosma petriei grows on rocky slopes, in gravelly soils, on exposed sites. It tolerates poor soil. It tolerates drought. It tolerates wind. It grows where tall shrubs cannot survive. The name petriei honours Donald Petrie. A botanist who collected plants in New Zealand. He worked in the Otago region. The species is endemic to New Zealand. It is found throughout the country. In the alpine zone, prostrate coprosma is a ground cover. It forms mats. It stabilises soil. It provides cover for insects. The berries are eaten by birds. The seeds are dispersed. The plant spreads. Coprosma petriei is not threatened. It is common. It is widespread. This prostrate coprosma is a reminder. Not all shrubs stand up. Some lie down. They are no less successful. To find it is to look on the rocky slopes. Look for the wiry stems. Look for the small, glossy leaves. It is a plant of the exposed places. A survivor of the wind. Populations are found throughout New Zealand. From alpine to coastal zones. Not threatened. No significant threats.