Botanical name:

Pittosporum tenuifolium

Common name(s):

kohukohu, kōhūhū, black matipo

About:

A small tree featuring very dark, nearly black twigs that bear pale green, shiny, wavy, and thin leaves, along with strikingly dark flowers. It produces capsules that are about 12mm wide, which have the remarkable ability to split into two or three parts, revealing the black, sticky seeds contained within. The leaves of this tree are typically 2 to 4 cm in length, adding to its delicate appearance.

Natural habitat:

A small tree of coastal to montane shrub-land and forested habitats below 900m. Preferring successional habitats.

Growing environment:

Coastal, Frost, Drought, Salt, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

Widespread throughout New Zealand

Height: 9m

Flowering:

October - November (-December) with Black, Red/Pink coloured flowers

Fruiting:

January - March

Uses:

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

How to grow:

Can be easy from fresh seed. Can also be grown from semi-hardwood cuttings.

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