Botanical name:

Pittosporum ralphii

Common name(s):

Ralph’s Karo

About:

This particular species of pittosporum typically grows along the lush stream sides and the fringes of forests from Thames southward to Wanganui and Dannevirke. It exhibits certain similarities to P. crassifolium, yet it is distinguished by its longer and thinner leaves, which feature less tomentum. This plant can develop into a small, bushy tree reaching heights of 2 to 5m. The striking dark red flowers emerge in clusters of anywhere from 3 to 10, showcasing their beauty from spring through to summer. Generally, it is as adaptable as P. crassifolium to a wide variety of environmental conditions, although it is not quite as well-suited for growth in coastal situations.

Natural habitat:

Lowland to lower montane forest margins and stream sides. It is abundant on cliffs and gorges from 0 to 900m altitude.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Shade, Drought, Wind, Coastal & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s Central North Island, East Cape, and along the Wanganui and the Patea rivers in Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, Rangitikei. Manawatu, Manawatu Gorge and Pahiatua.

Height: 5m

Flowering:

September - December with reddish pink coloured flowers

Fruiting:

November – January

Uses:

Bird attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Shelter belts, Forests & Riparian plantings

How to grow:
Easily grown from fresh seed, Semi-hardwood cuttings though slow to strike and easily rooted. This species will tolerate a wide range of conditions but it does best in sun or semi shade with a free draining soil.

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