Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu Pittosporum)

Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu Pittosporum) Details

Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as Kohuhu Pittosporum or Black Matipo, is an evergreen, NZ native tree growing up to 10 m tall and 3 m wide. The leaves tend to vary in size and shape as a result of regional differences but in the main are green-blue. Some trees may have very small wavy leaves, whilst others may have longer and smoother leaves. The foliage is complemented with small and fragrant, purple flowers in spring. The Kohuhu Pittosporum grows best when planted in full sun or partial shade on a well-drained site, and is tolerant of most soil types, except extreme wet. It is also tolerant of wind, partial shade, coastal conditions, periods of dry, and moderate frost. Pittosporum tenuifolium is commonly included in coastal gardens, trimmed into a hedge, used as a backdrop for smaller plants, planted for shelter or screening, or included in native revegetation exercises. For a Black Matipo hedge, space plants 50 cm apart.