User:Crawfor03/sandbox
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Gentianales |
| Family: | Rubiaceae |
| Genus: | Coprosma |
| Species: | C. virescens
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| Binomial name | |
| Coprosma virescens | |
Coprosma virescens is a vascular, woody shrub species in the family Rubiaceae[1]. It is an endemic plant to New Zealand and is considered 'At risk/ declining' by New Zealand's threat classification[2]. Mikimiki is the Maori and common name for the plant, a name also shared by other closely related Coprosmaspecies [3]. Mikimiki is a small-leaved shrub or tree which grows 2 to 3 metres (6 ft 7 in to 9 ft 10 in) high. It has very slender, semi-divaricating branches. The small leaves are petiolate with petioles from 2mm to 5mm long. The leaves narrow suddenly at the petiole and may be up to 9mm long and 6mm wide with wavy margins or a few blunt teeth[4].
Coprosma virescens flowers between September to November [1], female flowers producing a small oblong fruit, white in colour and up to 6mm long. The fruit appears greenish when ripe because of the visible presence of the green seeds within. This feature gives rise to the specific name ‘virescens’ meaning becoming green[3].
It has a wide distribution, throughout the North and South Island ranging from coastal areas to lower montane forest and scrubland[1].
Description
[edit]Coprosma virescens is largely identified by its slender golden/coppery branches[5] that are angled and interlaced to form a dense pyramidal mass. The shrub or small tree stands between 2-5m [6] forming a smooth, knobbly, grey/green trunk as the shrub matures[5].
Leaves are small(5-9mm), hairless, light green with a dark red rim[5] and are an obtuse oval shape that narrow abruptly to the distinctly long petiole[6]. Leaves are simple, opposite and glabrous with obvious veins on the underside of the leaf[7]. The stipules are short with small hairs and have three small black glands at the tip [7]. Like most Coprosma species, C.virescens also forms domatia, small holes in the major veins produced by plants to accommodate mutualistic relationships[5].
The flowers of Coprosma virescens are very small and unisexualCite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page)., allowing new plants to grow from deposited seeds[1]. During winter months and depending on local conditions Comprosma virescens is semi-deciduous [8] meaning the plant will lose some or most of its foliage, regrowing new foliage once old foliage has dropped.
Interactions
[edit]The Coprosma genus is well known for being a hardy species, tolerant of tough conditions and C. virescens is no exception. Coprosma virescens prefers sun and soils that are free draining [1] but are exceptionally tolerant to poorly drained soils, dry conditions and high wind [8]. C.virescens thrives in fertile alkaline soils[7] which often lie upon igneous rich and calcareous rocks hence its large abundance in the central North Island on the volcanic plateau [1].
Native birds are attracted to the fruit produced by Mikimiki from summer to autumn [1], feeding on the available fruits as part of their diet. Throughout the year Mikimiki provides habitat to scale insects [8] providing prey for birds while the plant is not fruiting.
Mikimiki can be a host to New Zealand thrips and is also vulnerable to rust which can become a problem to plant growth and survival[8].
Further Information
[edit]Similar taxa
[edit]Coprosma virescens was first discovered and identified in 1847 by W.Colenso in Dunedin[6]. Similar species of C. virescens are Coprosma rubra[6] and Coprosma tenuicaulis[1]. Coprosma rubra has very similar characteristics such as leaf size, leaf shape and plant form; young branches are also a red/ brown colour but has a smooth trunk unlike C. veriscens knobbly trunk [5]. Coprosma tenuicaulis, a swamp species, is most commonly confused with C. virescens. Dark red branches are easily confused for the orange/gold branches of C. virescens. Leaves are small and obtuse and also share C. virescens red rim trait around the leave edge. Another identifiable difference being the pubescent Coprosma tenuicaulis leaves asC. veriscens are hairless[1]. C. tenuicaulis fruits are dark red/black different to C. virescens white fruits [1].
Hybridisation
[edit]Coprosma species are well known to hybridise with some species becoming a parent species with more than 10 other Coprosma species. C. virescens is apart of a small group which have been identified to not be a hybrid parent[5].
Use
[edit]C. virescens is commonly used in landscaping and gardens due to its attractive colouring and unusual growth habitats; its dense growth making it very suitable for hedging in gardens and urban areas [8].
Interesting Facts
[edit]C. virescens and many other Coprosma species share the similar trait of twiggy, angled branches forming dense pyramidal masses. Leaves are commonly small and face inwards protected by the entanglement of branches. It is thought to be an adaptation of the species to protect the plant from harsh conditions and also thought to be a defence from the extinct Moa for which Coprosma foliage was a part of the bird's diet[8].
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Coprosma Virescens". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network.
- ^ J. de Lange, Peter (2017). Conservation status of New Zealand indigenous vascular plants, 2017. Wellington: Department of Conservation Publishing Team. p. 35.
- ^ a b Wilson, Hugh D (2013). Plant Life on Banks Peninsula. Cromwell: Manuka Press. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-9583299-6-5.
- ^ Allen, H. H. (1982). Flora of New Zealand. Vol. 1. P D Hasselbery. p. 577.
- ^ a b c d e f "Coprosma Virescens". Landcare Research.
- ^ a b c d Oliver, W.R.B (1935). The Genus Coprosma. Hawaii: The Meseum. p. 96.
- ^ a b c Dawson, John; Lucas, Rob (2012). Field Guide to New Zealand's Native Trees. Nelson: Craig Potton Publishing. pp. 156, 157. ISBN 978-1-877517-82-2.
- ^ a b c d e f "Coprosma Virescens". Auckland Botanic Garden. Auckland Council.