Pittosporum ralphii
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Pittosporum genus in the family Pittosporaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Pittosporaceae
- Genus
- Pittosporum
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Woodiness
- woody
- Height
- 4 m
- Spread
- 3 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.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
This plant contains saponins[2][3]. 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. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Succeeds as a windbreak hedge in severe maritime exposure[7][4].
Ecology and functions
Environment
- Range
- New Zealand.
- Habitat
- Lowland to lower montane forest margins and streamsides between latitudes 37° 30' south and 40°south on North Island[6].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 9+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow when ripe in the autumn or in late winter in a warm greenhouse[8][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[8]. 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[8]. Basal ripewood cuttings late autumn in a cold frame[4].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Requires a well-drained light loamy soil and a sunny position[4]. Very resistant to salt-laden winds[1][5]. This species is not very cold-hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[4]. Plants succeed outdoors in milder areas of the country though they need greenhouse protection elsewhere[1][5]. Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required[4]. Closely related to P. crassifolium[1][7]. 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
Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00
Lassak. E. V. and McCarthy. T. Australian Medicinal Plants.
Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Shepherd. F.W. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society. 1974-00-00 ISBN 0900629649
Allan. H. H. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer, Wellington. 1961-00-00
Rosewarne experimental horticultural station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food 1984-00-00
Sheat. W. G. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. MacMillan and Co 1948-00-00