Coprosma propinqua

Coprosma propinqua
File:Coprosma propinqua 11.JPG
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Gentianales
Family:	Rubiaceae
Genus:	Coprosma
Species:	C. propinqua
Binomial name
Coprosma propinqua A.Cunn.

Coprosma propinqua is a New Zealand plant belonging to the Rubiaceae family and the genus Coprosma. Its Māori name (in common New Zealand usage) is mingimingi. It is a small-leaved shrub or tree which grows 3 to 6 metres high.

Mingimingi has divaricating branches, and is common in swampy forest, in scrub, along stream banks and in stony places. It has a wide distribution, ranging from Mangonui in the North Island as far south as Stewart Island. Mingimingi grows from sea level to 460 metres.

The male flowers of C. propinqua occur in axillary clusters of one to four on very short branches. Female flowers are found on their own at the ends of short branchlets.

The fruit is a drupe, pale when immature, turning dark blue or blue-flecked when mature.

C. propinqua freely hybridizes with C. robusta.

References

• The Native Trees of New Zealand, J.T Salmon, Heinemann Reed, Auckland, 1990, p.306