Coprosma Species Research Articles

Reinvestigation of Coprosma for ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen

Coprosma robusta Raoul plants grown in plus- and minus-nitrogen sand culture showed no significant response to removal of stipules. Acetylene reduction assays for nitrogenase on leaves and stipules gave negative results for six Coprosma species. Two unwashed root samples showed slight acetylene reduction and this was ascribed to casual aerobic rhizosphere organisms.

Development of the Fruit ofCoprosma lucida

Summary The time required for development of the fruit of Coprosma lucida from fertilisation to maturity was 17 months, whereas the period was 6 months in other Coprosma species studied. A prolonged “pin-head” stage of fruit development was responsible for the delay in maturation. Application of the plant growth substances 2,4-D and GA3 accelerated development of the fruit.