1)  Coprosma propinqua                                       Mingimingi

Darrin Hedberg

• Coprosma is a genus of about 90 species of shrubs and trees found in various Pacific regions, including New Zealand and Australia.  They range from trees to low-growing spreading shrubs and those with a divaricating habit.
• A member of the plant family Rubiaceae, C. propinqua is found in swampy areas and near streams throughout New Zealand.  The leaves are very small and oblong and the berries are a translucent blue color.

2)   Coriaria sarmentosa                                          Tutu

Darrin Hedberg

• Coriaria is a genus of small shrubs and trees with notably angular branches and frond-like leaves.  There are eight New Zealand species and all are poisonous.  The tiny flowers hang in racemes in summer and are followed by purple black berries.
• C. sarmentosa is tolerant of a wide range of conditions, but extreme care should be given to choosing a site where it is inaccessible to animals and curious children.

3)   Dacrycarpus dacrydioides                            Kahikatea

Darrin Hedberg

• Found in forests of both the North and South Islands, D. dacrydioides is New Zealand’s tallest native tree.  Juvenile specimens have drooping needle-like foliage with a bronze tinge while on adult trees, the leaves are dark green compressed scales.
• A member of the plant family Podocarpaceae, this genus is an excellent choice for swampy areas as it is quite happy with wet feet.

4)   Fuchsia excorticata                                      Kotukutuku

• Found throughout New Zealand from sea level to about 1000 meters, F. excorticata is the largest-growing fuchsia in the world, reaching 12 meters in the wild.
• The pendulous flowers occur in spring and are followed by dark purple berries that are popular with birds.  Kotukutuku needs a rich moist soil with some shade and shelter.

5)   Pittosporum tenuifolium                                Kohukohu

Darrin Hedberg

• Pittosporum is a genus of about 200 trees and shrubs found in Africa, Australia, some Pacific islands, southern and eastern Asia, and New Zealand.  There are 26 species endemic to New Zealand.
• The leaves are quite variable in size and color, but are often a shiny, light green color with wavy margins and the branchlets are reddish-brown.