Rank Species | Genus Pittosporum Higher classification Cheesewood | |
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Similar Cheesewood, Pittosporum tobira, Pittosporaceae, Pittosporum eugenioides, Pittosporum crassifolium | ||
Pittosporum tenuifolium
Pittosporum tenuifolium is a small evergreen tree, up to 10 m (33 ft), native to New Zealand, commonly known as kōhūhū and black matipo, and by other Māori names kohukohu and tawhiwhi. It is sometimes grown under the cultivar name 'Nigricans', so called because of its black stems. In horticulture it is valued for its coloured foliage (cultivated variations include purple, "silver" and variegated leaves), and for its tolerance of some horticulturally difficult growing conditions, including dry soils and shade (although in northwest Europe, cold and exposed situations do not suit it). The flowers generally go unnoticed because of their colour, a very dark reddish-purple, and are scented only at night. It is found growing wild in coastal and lower mountain forest areas up to an altitude of 900m. The Latin tenuifolium means "slender-leaved".
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The species, along with several hybrids and cultivars, are available for garden use. The following have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:-
Pittosporum tenuifolium silver sheen
