This epiphytic or terrestrial shrub has spreading woody stems that form an open habit. It has glossy dark green leathery oblong leaves and the star-shaped pale yellow flowers appear in small clusters towards the end of the branches during summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Pittosporum kirkii is naturally found in the North Island of New Zealand commonly growing as an epiphytic in trees such as Metrosiderous robustaon the coast to an altitude of 900m (2700ft) on the Mt Taranaki Range and Wiamarino Plateau.

It also grows as a terrestrial in well drained fertile moist soils in an open to protected sunny position and is frost, wind and drought tender.

This Pittosporum is grown for its flowers and is planted in small gardens or bushland settings. It is also planted in botanical collections and is suitable for coastal or mountainous regions. It establishes in 3 to 4 years but may be difficult to obtain as it is not commonly cultivated. ID 2903

Pittosporum(pi-TOS-po-rum) kirkii(KIRK-ee-eye)

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