Botanical name:

Pittosporum cornifolium

Common name(s):

Tāwhiri karo, perching Kohuhu

About:

An epiphyte commonly found on large trees in lowland and montane forests across the North Island and the Marlborough Sounds of the South Island. Leaf shapes range from round to oblong, with leaves measuring up to 6cm in length. These leathery, dark green leaves grow in whorls around the branches. In spring, small flowers appear in clusters of 2-5, typically red with reflexed petals. P. cornifolium can be cultivated in the ground, reaching heights of 1-2m with an open branching structure. It grows slowly but is intriguing in appearance, thriving in well-drained soil that offers some shade and shelter.

Natural habitat:

Naturally occurring plants grow with other epiphytes often in large puriri and rata trees, and occasionally in rock crevices.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island and the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island

Height: 2m

Flowering:

June - September with reddish pink to yellow coloured flowers

Fruiting:

October – March

Uses:

Bird attractant, Bee food, Forests & Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Can be grown from fresh seed or semi-hardwood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed up and even out germination time