About Coprosma chathamica Cockayne
Coprosma chathamica Cockayne is a large canopy tree that can grow up to 15 m (49 ft) tall. It produces oval leaves borne in pairs, and bears ripe yellow fruit. This species is endemic to the Chatham Islands, where it is one of the dominant major forest trees. It grows in both coastal and inland forest, and is most commonly found on peaty or waterlogged sites. Ecologically, this tree serves as a nighttime habitat for the longhorn beetle Xylotoles costatus. It is also a major host plant for the lichen Pyrenula quadratolocularis, and is the only known host plant for the lichen Pyrenula solomonii. Traditionally, the tree was used in Moriori funerary rites. Bodies were tightly bound with Coprosma chathamica vines, placed standing upright facing the sea, and over time, the bones became incorporated into the wood. Many of these trees were found by early European settlers during land clearing on the islands.
