This small variable tree has a short greyish trunk with erect branches that form a broad columnar habit when young to a rounded crown when mature. It has light green oblong leaves and the fragrant purplish tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Pittosporum tenuifolium is naturally found in New Zealand growing from the north island to the the eastern side of the south island appearing on the coast and in the mountains to an altitude of 900m (28,000ft).

It prefers a well-drained moist soil in an open sunny position and is frost tolerant but drought tender

Kohuhu is a small tree that is grown for its bushy habit and attractive foliage. It is planted in small gardens along borders for screening or is trimmed to form a hedge. It is also grown as a container plant when young and establishing in 2 to 4 years and is moderately long lived. This small tree is also planted in fragrant gardens or used for foliage contrast and is suitable for coastal and low-mountain regions where it is a very variable and grows in many forms.

Pittosporum(pi-TOS-po-rum) tenuifolium (ten-ew-i-FO-lee-um)

Pittosporaceae(pit-OS-paw-RAY-see-ee)