Botanical name:

Myrsine salicina 

Common name(s):

Toro

About:

This small upright tree is characterised by its long, narrow, and smooth leaves, which are naturally erect and display a striking reddish-yellow hue when they are young. The leaves typically measure between 7 to 18 cm in length and range from 2 to 3 cm in width, featuring a notably smooth edge. These attractive small trees thrive best when situated in a semi-shaded environment, as they flourish when planted in deep, fertile, and moist soil. Additionally, this remarkable species exhibits impressive tolerance to both shade and colder temperatures, making it a resilient choice for diverse gardening conditions.

Natural habitat: 

Coastal to montane in forest (rarely shrub-land along riversides). On occasion Myrsine salicina may form a major part of forest canopy along stream sides.

Growing environment:

Shade, Wind & Coastal tolerant

Endemic distribution:

North, South Islands of NZ, from Te Paki to about Hokitika

Height: 8m

Flowering: 

August – January with a yellow or white coloured flowers.

Fruiting: 

September – May with fruit red to purple in colour &  8-9mm long.

Uses: 

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Flowers, Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can be grown from semi-hardwood and hardwood cuttings though these can be slow to strike.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though