Tawhiwhi (Pittosporum tenuifolium, Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 286 (1788))

Family: Pittosporaceae

Author: Gaertn.

Bibliography: Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 286 (1788)

Year: 1788

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Pittosporum

Vegetable: False

Observations: New Zealand

Description

Tawhiwhi, scientifically known as Pittosporum tenuifolium, is a native plant of New Zealand characterized by its refined elegance and versatility in various landscape settings. Described by the esteemed botanist Gaertn., its formal classification was first noted in 1788 in the seminal publication “Fruct. Sem. Pl. 1: 286.”

Belonging to the Pittosporaceae family, Tawhiwhi is a robust and adaptable species, well-regarded for its ornamental qualities and role in native ecosystems. Its foliage is distinctively glossy and often features a striking combination of dark green, occasionally tinged with reds or purples, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The leaves, generally small and elliptic, create a dense and attractive canopy that makes Tawhiwhi an excellent choice for hedging, screening, or as a standalone specimen plant.

One of the notable characteristics of Tawhiwhi is its adaptability to various soil types and climatic conditions, though it thrives particularly well in well-drained soils with moderate moisture. In terms of maintenance, Pittosporum tenuifolium is relatively low-maintenance, requiring occasional pruning to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Its resilience against common pests and diseases also adds to its popularity among gardeners and landscapers.

Beyond its use as an ornamental plant, Tawhiwhi plays a significant role in New Zealand’s native forest ecosystems. It provides essential habitat and food sources for a variety of local wildlife, including birds and insects, thus contributing to the biodiversity and ecological balance of the region.

In summary, Tawhiwhi (Pittosporum tenuifolium) is a versatile and attractive plant with significant ecological and ornamental value. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its hardiness, appealing aesthetics, and ecological importance in its native New Zealand environment.

Common Names

Eng: kohuhu, tawhiwhi, thin leaved pittosporum
Swe: mörk glansbuske
Por: pitósporo
Deu: schmalblättriger klebsame
Cym: llwyn cohwhw, llwyni cohwhw
En: Tawhiwhi, Kohuhu, Thin leaved pittosporum
De: Schmalblättriger Klebsame
Pt: Pitósporo
Sv: Mörk glansbuske
Cy: Llwyn Cohwhw, Llwyni Cohwhw

Synonyms

• Pittosporum enderi (Regel)
• Schoutensia monophylla (Endl.)
• Pittosporum fasciculatum (Kirk)
• Pittosporum tenuifolium variegatum (J.R.Duncan & V.C.Davies)
• Trichilia monophylla (A.Rich.)
• Pittosporum translucens (Hook. ex Putt.)
• Pittosporum mayi (Cazzuola)
• Pittosporum colensoi (Naudin)

Distribution

• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• California (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Ehsan Mahmoudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 13, 2020 by Ottasso Luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by David Hocken (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 14, 2020 by David Vieco (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Jun 13, 2022 by Nayara Fl (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Miguel A. García (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 30, 2022 by dassori paul (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Sonja Leigh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 5, 2022 by Kozie WithA-K (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 28, 2020 by Pravin Kumar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2021 by A A (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Logan Michels (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2021 by Sonja Leigh (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2022 by Velásquez Valentín (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 9, 2021 by Ed Pa (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2022 by leonardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 6, 2020 by Denise Olson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2020 by Jim Bo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by Bas Wardenier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 29, 2021 by Nathalie Bec (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 2, 2019 by Rayane Rayane Rodrigues (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 1, 2021 by chris rahner (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 26, 2021 by pino (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 21, 2019 by jeremie callens (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken May 12, 2022 by Espinoza-Zevallos Marco Elías (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986293)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684708-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pittosporum tenuifolium Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth