Karo Native Tree
Pittosporum crassifolium – Coastal NZ Native Shrub (Karo)
Karo, Cheesewood, Kaikaro
Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as karo, is a tough, evergreen shrub native to New Zealand’s coastal regions. With its dense, grey-green foliage and rounded form, karo is ideal for hedging, screening, and shelter planting in exposed or coastal areas. It typically grows to 4–5 metres tall and wide and is highly regarded for its tolerance of salt spray, wind, and dry conditions. In spring, clusters of small, dark red to purple flowers appear, followed by sticky seed capsules.
- Suited to regions:
All regions - Plant type:
Trees - Height:
10.00 m - Spread:
4.00 m - Flowering time:
Spring - Tolerances:
Coastal, Hardy - Garden uses:
Hedging, Parks, Ponds, Pool areas, Screening, Specimen - Garden styles:
Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Formal, Frontyard, Modern, Native
