Family: RUBIACEAE
Also called taupata by the Maori people and New Zealand mirror plant because of its shiny leaves, this dioecious shrub to small tree (up to 5 m) naturally occurs on coastal dunes. The plant is adaptable to most conditions and spreads naturally by layering. Once established it is able to withstand drought and frost. It can utilise nutrients from salt spray. As a hedge it makes a very dense windbreak. It is one of the most effective fire retardant plants, making a good radiation shield.
Poultry relish the orange berries which fall to the ground. The foliage is a good stockfeed. It can be propagated by seed and good producing females can be selected and further propagated by cutting and layering.