Coprosma grandifolia < Species index > Coprosma propinqua agg.
This article was first published in the Tararua Tramper Volume 93, # 1, February 2021
February in the hills with Chris Horne, Michele Dickson
Coprosma lucida, Karamū, shining karamū
Photo: Jeremy Rolfe
Origin of the botanical names
‘Coprosma’ is derived from the Greek words ‘kopros’ meaning ‘dung’ and ‘osme’ meaning ‘smell’, as one Coprosma species in particular has an unpleasant smell; ‘lucida’, meaning ‘shining, glistening’, comes from the Latin word ‘lux’ meaning ‘light’. Coprosma lucida is called karamū, as is C. robusta described in the December 2020 Tramper.
Distribution and habitat
C. lucida is endemic to Aotearoa. It grows on Te Ika a Māui / North Island, on Te Waipounamu / South Island and on Rakiura / Stewart Island. Look for it on forest margins.
Growth habit
This species of karamū is a shrub or small tree to 6 m tall with reddish brown bark. The branches are spreading, stout and hairless. The leaves which are opposite, thick, leathery and glossy dark green above, paler below, 8-17 x 3-4 cm, are wider towards the end. The leaf midrib on the upper surface is raised - feel it with a finger. Run a finger along a leaf margin – it feels smooth, unlike in C. robusta. The rather stout leaf petioles (stalks) are 10–30 mm long. The stipule between the base of each pair of petioles has small brown glands at the tip, not black as in C. robusta.
Reproduction
The densely clustered flowers are in small groups with female and male flowers appearing on separate plants. The berry is dark orange to red, 8-12 x 4-5 mm. Birds eat the berries on the female form of the plant and disperse the seeds.
Uses
There are many references to customary and medicinal uses of this species of karamū. See Māori Healing and Herbal – New Zealand Ethnobotanical Sourcebook. Murdoch Riley / Brian Enting, pp 178-182. 1997. Viking Sevenseas Ltd. Sample the taste of a ripe berry.
The role of birds
Birds eat the berries on the female plant then disperse the seeds.
Where can you find Coprosma lucida?
Look for this species of karamū in some reserves in the Wellington region and in the Tararua and Remutaka ranges. It is uncommon in the Aorangi Range.
In The Hills 2020-12 < Index chronological > In The Hills 2021-03