This epiphytic or terrestrial shrub has upright grey-brown stems and branches that form an open rounded crown. The leathery dark green leaves are in whorls and the reddish bell-shaped flowers appear in terminal clusters during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Pittosporum cornifoliumis naturally found in New Zealand near Auckland in the North Island and Wanganui Inlet in the South Island growing as an epiphyte in the fork of trees such as Metrosideros robusta. It commonly appears in lowland or low-mountain forests to an altitude of 600m (2.000ft) and can also grow on moist rocks or be terrestrial.

It prefers a shaded to semi shade protected position and as a terrestrial it requires a well drained moderately fertile moist soil and is frost tolerant but drought tender,.

Tawhirikaro is grown for its attractive foliage and is planted along garden borders for screening or used as a specimen in a shaded courtyard. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 4 to 6 years and may be planted in large patio pots or used as an understorey in a woodland setting. This plant may only be available in New Zealand. ID 2845

Pittosporum(pi-TOS-po-rum) cornifolium(corn-ee-FOL-ee-um)

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