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NZ Plants

Coprosma petriei - turfy coprosma

Coffee family: Rubiaceae

Coprosma petriei forms dense mats or cushions up to 2 m in diameter. Branches grow over the soil surface, rooting at intervals, and form densely-crowded tiny leaves on short shoots. Leaves have short hairs scattered on the upper surface. Stipules (appendages at the base of leaf stalks) are broadly triangular and covered with hairs. Named after Donald Petrei (1846-1925). Petrei immigrated to New Zealand from Scotland in 1873 where his position as inspector of schools enabled him to travel widely and make extensive collections of often unknown species.
An endemic species commonly found from the Volcanic Plateau of the North Island as far south as Otago on the South island.
 

Vegetative characteristics

Reproductive characteristics

Plant form: mat-forming shrub  5-10- mm high

Flower symmetry: symmetric

 

Flower size: 3-4 mm diam.

Leaf form: elliptic, oblong

Sepals: 4-5, female flower

Leaf size: 5-10 mm long

Petals: 4- 5, green, purple

Leaf arrangement: in opposite pairs or in clusters

Sexuality: unisexual on different plants

Leaf attachment: stipules

Stamens: 4-5

Leaf margin: smooth, sparse hairs

Ovary: below petals

Leaf surface: sparse hairs

Fruit: fleshy, blue

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