The frost resistance of fruits and leaves of some Coprosma species in relation to altitude and habitat

Abstract

The frost resistance of fruits and leaves of eight species of Coprosma (Rubiaceae), collected from a range of habitats and altitudes in the South Island of New Zealand was measured in late autumn. The frostresistance of fleshy fruits of wild plants has seldom, if ever, been measured before and was similar to that of leaves, with minimum temperatures causing 50% damage ranging between -8° and —14°C. The frost resistance of leaves was related to altitude of collection and habitat range of the species, whereas that of fruits was related principally to potential habitat range. Factors such as fruit size and colour were not correlated with frost resistance.

Keywords:

• frostresistance
• Coprosma
• Rubiaceae
• fruit
• leaves
• altitude
• habitat
• New Zealand