A new species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae) from the South Island, New Zealand

Abstract

A new species, Coprosma fowerakeri, is described from alpine habitats of the South Island, New Zealand. Previously included within C. pseudocuneata, it is distinguished by its low spreading habit; stout, recurved lateral branches that often root on contact with soil; fleshy‐coriaceous, almost succulent, dark green to bronze‐green leaves; conspicuously denticulate, shortly sheathing interpetiolar stipules; bright orange fruit; tetraploid chromosome number; and preference for alpine habitats. Coprosma fowerakeri is an abundant alpine and occasionally subalpine species whose conservation status is rated as “Not Threatened” using the New Zealand Threatened Species Classification System.

Keywords:

• Rubiaceae
• Coprosma
• C. pseudocuneata
• C. fowerakeri
• new species
• taxonomy
• conservation
• New Zealand