Coastal coprosma
A threatened plant, first discovered by a convict.
Coastal coprosma is so rare that it is classifed as ”threatened with extinction” on the international red list of threatened species, compiled by the IUCN.
The species occurs naturally only on the Norfolk Islands in the Pacific Ocean, more than a thousand kilometers east of Australia.
Norfolk Islands are former penal colonies and the coastal coprosma was first found by a convict - and artist – John Doody, who made a drawing of it in 1791. He noted that it grew only where exposed to the sea, and that the fruits are good to eat.
Coastal coprosma is sought-after food for the rabbits that were introduced to the islands. In 2003, there were only 228 adult plants left. However, since the population of rabbits has been regulated, the number of wild growing plants has nearly doubled.
Facts:
- Greenhouse location: The Mountain Forest House
- Danish name: Spejlplante
- Latin name: Coprosma baueri
- Family: Coffee family / Rubiaceae
- Natural habitat: The Norfolk Islands in the South Pacific.