Pittosporum tenuifolium

Pittosporum translates to tarry – – seed – , a reference to the sticky fluid that encases the seeds The leaf coverage is compact in ; the leaves are arranged alternately on the stem The colouration of the foliage is a silvery green, This attracts moths and night flying insects, and it is believed these insects help with pollination. The fruit is covered in a small layer of hairs during early maturation that is progressively discarded as the capsule ripens. In the ripening process the capsule shrinks, hardens up and turns almost black, splitting into two or three segments when ripened. Inside are black seeds, encased in a very sticky substance. The stickiness of the seeds is likely to help with seed dispersal. ==Names==

Common names include: • Matipo • Black matipo • Rautawhiri • Kairaro • Kihihi • Pōhiri • Pōwhiri • Tāwhiri • Tawiri • Tawhiwhi • Silverleaf • Turpentine-tree • Black birch == Distribution ==

Natural global range is endemic to New Zealand. grows particularly quickly at forest edges located at the bottom of high terraces, and can also be found growing in riverbeds. It grows readily in forested areas that have been disturbed or in reverting farmland, playing an important role in ecological succession. ==Life cycle/Phenology==

Most of the plants in the genus Pittosporum are easily propagated from seed, but germination may be slow. These characteristics make it ideal – when used in conjunction with another plants – for use in stream stabilisation Flowering happens in late spring, from October to November, and the maturation of the fruit happens between mid-summer and autumn, from January to March. The seedlings of are unusual, as in some cases they have three or four seed leaves instead of the usual two. ==Diet and foraging==

is a hardy plant that can cope with poor conditions – poor soils, droughts and windy environments. Planting it in damp conditions can cause winter leaf drop, which likely explains why is not found growing on the West Coast of New Zealand. In its role in ecological succession, is often found at an earlier stage than its relative lemonwood (another endemic Pittosporum), and usually inhabits less fertile soils. ==Predators, Parasites, and Diseases==

Insects There are over 50 insect species listed in the Plant-SyNZ database that either feed on or parasitise , including wasps, sucking bugs, flies, moths, butterflies, thrips, mites and beetles. There are also more than a dozen beetles that feed on the dead plant material. Below are some species of interest, organised by feeding habits: Pittosporum flower weevil (Aneuma rubricale), a native insect, lays its eggs on the flower of ; interestingly, only is chosen for this, even if the weevil feeds on other types of Pittosporum. As soon as the weevil's larvae hatch, they start feeding on the stamens and ovaries of the flowers, switching to the leaves once they reach adulthood. An arrival from Australia, pittosporum shield bug (Monteithiella humeralis) as well as the endemic pittosporum psyllid Trioza vitreoradiata feed only on Pittosporum species, by attaching themselves to a suitable part of the plant and feeding on its sap. The psyllid leaves a trail of characteristic "beads" behind. Cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), an Australian bug, soft wax scale (Ceroplastes destructor), an import from overseas and the Australian green shield bug (Glaucias amyoti), native to New Zealand despite its name also parasitise the Pittosporum species, but have a more varied range of hosts. All attach themselves to a suitable part of the plant and feed on its sap. New Zealand flower thrips (Thrips obscuratus) feeds on leaves, flowers and young fruit of , by piercing plant cells and sucking their contents. Fungi Pythium irregulare has been recorded as a pathogen of , causing foliar blight, rot, and eventually death. A recently discovered pathogen of that caused swelling of twigs, the fungus Elsinoe takoropuku, turned out to be a newly discovered species of fungi. The fungus was, so far, only found in association with . ==Uses==

Garden plant is a popular garden plant in New Zealand and overseas, often used a hedge or as visual backdrop. • 'Arundel Green' • 'Garnettii' • 'Irene Paterson' • 'Silver Queen' • 'Tom Thumb' • 'Warnham Gold' Host of threatened wood rose has the potential to be used as the host of the threatened root parasite plant wood rose (Dactylanthus taylorii). Wood rose was recently successfully translocated and sown in the wild from seed, showing the largest success rate when planted in association with kōhūhū. Use by Māori There are several recorded uses of by Māori. The resin and oils extracted from the leaves have been used for their scent and often mixed with ingredients sourced from other native trees in order to produce an oil of variable composition. The resin is obtained by making cuts in the bark of the tree Parts of the plants have been used as topical treatment for relief of the symptoms of skin diseases. The crushed bark has been soaked in water and the resulting mixture used to treat breast or chest ailments, and the remaining liquid taken orally. The branches of have been used in Māori life ceremonies, such as baptisms, and for welcoming visitors to a marae. Two of its common names, ("to wave to") and ("to wave a leaf") reflect this. ==References==