Coprosma quadrifida
prickly currant-bush
Overview
Coprosma quadrifida is a prickly, much-branched shrub or small tree growing 1-4 m (3-13 ft) tall, with rigid, interlacing branchlets ending in sharp spines. The small leaves are 0.5-1.5 cm (0.2-0.6 in) long, opposite or clustered on short side shoots, oval to narrow and dark green. The species is dioecious, with tiny greenish flowers borne separately on male and female plants in spring; the flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Female plants produce translucent red berries 5-8 mm (0.2-0.3 in) long that ripen through summer and are eaten by birds. It grows in the understorey of wet sclerophyll forest, gullies, rainforest margins, and along streams in moist, fertile soils. The dense spiny growth gives small birds shelter and nesting sites. Limitation: the rigid spines make the plant awkward to handle, and it needs consistently moist soil.
Native Range
Southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. It grows in the understorey of wet sclerophyll forest, in gullies, on rainforest margins, and along streams.Suggested Uses
Grown in habitat and bush-regeneration plantings as a small-bird refuge and in shaded, moist native gardens. It suits gully and streamside positions and informal prickly hedging.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 13'
Width/Spread3' - 10'
Bloom Information
Tiny greenish flowers open in spring, mainly September to November, separately on male and female plants. The flowers are wind-pollinated and easily overlooked. Translucent red berries develop on female plants through summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight