Medicinal Uses

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit | Edible Uses: CoffeeFruit - raw or cooked. Sweet, but without much flavour[225]. The fruits vary in colour from white to blue or sea-green[225]. The fruit is seldom borne in Britain[208]. The fruit is about 12mm wide[200]. The roasted seed is an excellent coffee substitute[153].

Cultivation

Requires a moist, very well-drained neutral to slightly acid soil in full sun or light shade[200]. Succeeds in most soils, so long as they are well-drained[225]. This plant has survived very dry conditions with us and appears to be very drought tolerant[K]. One of the hardiest members of this genus, it succeeds outdoors in the rock garden in many parts of the country[1]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200, 225], though it does not seem to cross with C. pumila, C. atropurpurea or any red-fruited species[225]. There are several named forms selected for their ornamental value[225]. Plants are normally dioecious, though in some species the plants produce a few flowers of the opposite sex before the main flowering and a few hermaphrodite flowers are sometimes produced[225]. Male and female plants must usually be grown if seed is required.

Known Hazards

None known

Habitats

Lowland to higher montane grassland, stream margins, rocky places and dry river beds on North and South Islands[44].