Known by some as tawhirikaro or perching kohuhu, Pittosporum cornifolium deserves a closer look. In cultivation, perching kohuhu will grow successfully in the ground but needs to be planted into well-drained soil under partial shade. It is tolerant of a wide range of conditions once established, including dry spells, shade, frost and cool temperatures.
It is a slow-growing shrub with an open, whorled branch habit, reaching 2m in height. The leaves are thin, elliptical to lanceolate with prominent veins and grow in a whorled pattern along slender branches. New bright lime green foliage emerges from the branch tips and is in stark contrast to the dark green mature leaves underneath.
Sprays of deep purple pendulous flower buds are held above the new leaves come late winter, and range in colour from deep purple to blush and cream once open. The tips of the petals curl backwards, exposing bright yellow anthers and emit an incredibly delicious vanilla fragrance.
The fruit capsules, the size of coffee beans, will split in two when ripe, revealing a bright orange, sticky inner lining which holds large, shiny black seeds in place, attracting many birds.
You can view examples of this plant growing in the Pittosporum border in the New Zealand native plant collection.
Garden Life is produced by Dunedin Botanic Garden.
For further information contact Claire Phillips.
