Kingdom Plantae Family Pittosporaceae Scientific name Pittosporum patulum Rank Species | Order Apiales Genus Pittosporum Higher classification Cheesewood | |
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Similar Cheesewood, Pittosporum obcordatum, Pittosporaceae, Pittosporum napaliense, Pittosporum erioloma | ||
Pittosporum patulum is plant species endemic to New Zealand where it has a restricted distribution on South Island only ranging from Nelson, New Zealand in the north with occurrences in inland Marlborough down to Wanaka in the south. It is unusual amongst the genus in having deep red and scented flowers.
It is a small tree restricted to sub-alpine sites in canopy gaps in Nothofagus forest and in scree. It is uncommon and may be threatened by grazing and by alien herbivores.
It is listed in the IUCN Red List as Endangered, and on the New Zealand Threat Classification System as Nationally Endangered. In 1999 a recovery plan was approved by the Director-General of the Department of Conservation.
It is occasionally cultivated.
References
Pittosporum patulum Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA