karo

Pittosporum crassifolium | karo

 

A hardy native that develops into a small, densely-foliaged bush or small tree, thriving especially in coastal environments. Its glossy green leaves offer an attractive setting for sweetly scented, crimson spring flowers, which produce bird-attracting nectar and are followed by fruit/seeds. Typically reaching 10 meters tall and 4 meters wide, karo responds well to pruning and grows successfully beneath tall deciduous trees. It serves excellently for shelter, screening, hedging, as a backdrop for smaller plants, a specimen, or in revegetation efforts.

 

However, it's crucial to exercise caution and avoid planting karo outside its natural range within New Zealand. This species can outcompete slower-growing coastal plants on open cliffs, slopes, and dunes, leading to changes in the structure and composition of native plant communities in certain regions.

coastal forest

coastal scrub

steep slope

boulder beaches

dune forest

dry

free draining

well drained

moist

full shade

partial shade

height | 10m

width | 3m / usually multi-trunked

flowering | August - October

fruiting |  September - August (Old fruits persist on trees)

Karo holds cultural importance for Māori, who traditionally utilised its wood for crafting tools, weapons, and musical instruments. Furthermore, its fragrant flowers are associated with love and romance.