Practical
Plants

Pittosporum eugenioides

Tarata

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
10 m
Spread
5 m
Flower type
hermaphrodite

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

Although no mention has been found for this species, some members of this genus contain saponins. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down if the food is thoroughly cooked for a long time.

Edible uses

A resin obtained by incision or bruising the bark is used as a chewing gum[2].

Product or use
Gum

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

Antihalitosis[2].

Product or use
Antihalitosis

Material uses

The resin is also used as a hair oil, in pot pourri and to treat halitosis[2].

Product or use
Gum
Product or use
Hair care
Product or use
Pot-pourri
Product or use
Resin

Environment

Range
New Zealand.
Habitat
Lowland and montane forests, North and South Islands[6][2].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow when ripe in the autumn or in late winter in a warm greenhouse[7][4]. The seed usually germinates freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, move the plants to a cold frame as soon as they are established and plant out late in the following spring[7]. Consider giving them some protection from the cold during their first winter outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Poor to fair percentage[7]. Basal ripewood cuttings late autumn in a cold frame[4].

Cultivation

Succeeds in any well-drained soil[3][4], including dry soils, preferably in a sunny position[3] but also succeeding in light shade[4]. Not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[4]. Plants succeed outdoors in Cornwall, though they need greenhouse protection in other parts of the country[1]. Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required[4]. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[3]. 'Variegatum' is hardier than the type[5]. The species in this genus are very likely to hybridize with other members of the genus[4]. When growing a species from seed it is important to ensure that the seed either comes from a known wild source, or from isolated specimens in cultivation. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[4].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Crowe. A. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-340-508302

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  3. Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5↩6↩7↩8

  5. Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V. Gardening on Walls Collins 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-00-219220-0

    ↩

  6. Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00

    ↩

  7. Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

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