Coprosma arborea facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Coprosma arborea
In Auckland Botanic Gardens
Scientific classification
Genus:	Coprosma
Species:	arborea

Coprosma arborea is a special type of plant found only in New Zealand. It's known for its small flowers that rely on the wind for pollination. After flowering, it grows juicy berries that are safe to eat and contain two tiny seeds. You can often find this plant growing in places like the Hamilton Ecological District on New Zealand's North Island.

About Coprosma arborea

Coprosma arborea is a tree that can grow quite tall. It can reach up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) in height. Its main trunk can be as wide as 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) across. The tree has many branches that grow close together. Its smaller branches are slender and have a soft, fuzzy feel.

Leaves and Appearance

The leaves of Coprosma arborea are an interesting part of the tree. They grow on stalks called petioles, which are often winged near the top. Each leaf is usually about 5 to 6 centimeters (2 to 2.4 inches) long and 3.5 to 4 centimeters (1.4 to 1.6 inches) wide. They have a rounded or slightly indented tip. The edges of the leaves are a bit thicker and can look slightly wavy. Younger plants have smaller leaves, usually around 1.5 to 2.5 centimeters (0.6 to 1 inch) long.

Flowers and Fruit

The flowers of Coprosma arborea are quite small and don't have showy petals. This is because they are pollinated by the wind, not by insects. The male flowers grow in dense clusters at the ends of branches. The female flowers grow in smaller groups of two to four.

After the flowers are pollinated, the tree produces small, juicy berries. These berries are white and shaped like a broad oval. Each berry is about 7 millimeters (0.3 inches) long. They are not poisonous, which means they are safe to eat. Inside each berry, you will find two tiny seeds.