A new coprosma (Rubiaceae) from the surville cliffs, North Cape, New Zealand

Abstract

A new ultramafic endemic Coprosma spathulata subsp. hikuruana is named from the Surville Cliffs, North Cape, New Zealand. It differs from C. spathulata subsp. spathulata by its prostrate, trailing habit, narrow ellipsoid fruits, and restriction to ultramafic rocks. Coprosma spathulata subsp. hikuruana is sparsely distributed along the plateau, gully-heads, and upper cliff faces of its ultramafic habitat. Because very few plants are known and they are at risk from weeds, browsing mammals, and fire, the new subspecies is considered a threatened taxon.