Karamu (tree)

Taxobox
name = "Coprosma"


image_width =
image_caption =
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Gentianales
familia = Rubiaceae
subfamilia = Rubioideae
tribus = Anthospermeae
genus = "Coprosma"
genus_authority = J.R.Forster & G.Forster
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "Coprosma lucida"
"Coprosma robusta"

Karamu is the Māori name given to "Coprosma robusta" and "Coprosma lucida", two of the 45 "Coprosma" species found in New Zealand. "Coprosma lucida" is sometimes called Shining Karamu, and is distinguished by its pale bark.

Coprosmas are identified by the domatia (tiny holes at the junction of the veins on the underside of the leaf), their stipules, small flowers and colourful berries (Dawson, J. and Lucas, R., 2000).

Coprosma Robusta

The "Coprosma robusta" is found in lowland forest or shrub throughout New Zealand and almost to the south of the South Island. It has dark green leaves approximately 5-13cm long and 3-4 cm wide. The tree itself is either a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6m tall. The stipules have a single, shiny black gland at the tips. When berries are present, they are orange, 8-9mm long and can take up to a year to ripen (Dawson, J. and Lucas, R., 2000).

References

Dawson, J. & Lucas, R. "Nature Guide to the New Zealand Forest". p96-98. Random House New Zealand, Glenfield, Auckland.