Abstract
A new, diploid species of Coprosma, C. pedicellata (2n = 44) is described and illustrated. It has a close morphological affinity with the northern New Zealand hexaploid species C. parviflora ( 2n = 132), which may be an ancient amphidiploid derivative. C. pedicellata is readily identified by its distinctive growth habit, habitat, and pendant pedicellate violet drupes. It is known from a few disjunct localities along the foothills of eastern New Zealand where it is restricted to forest or forest margins, usually on moderately fertile soils with impeded drainage, in overflow and flood channels, and alongside small streams. It shares these cool winter‐wet/warm summer‐dry habitats with a select group of woody species, including other rare small‐leaved divaricate shrubs and dwarf mistletoes. C. pedicellata is considered to be a restricted taxon in need of active conservation management over the greater part of its present natural range.