Common Name: Tarata

General Information

Pittosporum eugenioides is a densely-branched, evergreen tree with a spreading crown; it can grow grom 6 - 13 metres tall. The bole can be up to 60cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Although no mention has been found for this species, some members of this genus contain saponins. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down if the food is thoroughly cooked for a long time.

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North and South Islands

Habitat

Widespread in lowland and montane forests, [, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pittosporum eugenioides is not very hardy in the temperate zone, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c when fully dormant[]. Plants succeed outdoors in Cornwall, though they need greenhouse protection in other parts of the country[].
Succeeds in any well-drained soil[, ], including dry soils, preferably in a sunny position[] but also succeeding in light shade[].
Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required[].
The flowers are very fragrant, with a honey-like scent[, ]. The crushed leaves are also fragrant with a strong, lemon-like aroma[].
There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value[]. 'Variegatum' is hardier than the type[].
Although flowers usually appear to be hermaphrodite, many species of Pittosporum are functionally dioecious, with individual specimens bearing mainly or totally flowers of one sex only. Even so, occasional functionally hermaphrodite flowers will appear and, in at least some species, these flowers can be self-compatible and produce fertile seed even in the absence of any other plants of that species[].
The species in this genus are also very likely to hybridize with other members of the genus[]. When growing a species from seed it is important to ensure that the seed either comes from a known wild source, or from isolated specimens in cultivation.
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

A resin obtained by incision or bruising the bark is used as a chewing gum[, ]. It is sometimes combined with the latex obtained from the sow thistle (Sonchus species)[].

Medicinal

A resinous, balsamic gum obtained from the stem is chewed as a treatment for bad breath[, ].

A gum-resin obtained from the trunk is of potential use in medicine[].

The leaves are chewed into a paste and applied topically to cure raw places on a saddle-sore horse[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is very amenable to trimming and is often grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

An aromatic resin obtained from the trunk is used as a hair oil, in pot pourri and to treat halitosis[].

The fragrant flowers, mixed with oil, were traditionally applied to give the body a pleasant aroma. An essential oil obtained from the flowers may be suitable for perfumery[].

Propagation

Seed - sow when ripe in the autumn or in late winter in a warm greenhouse[, ]. The seed usually germinates freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, move the plants to a cold frame as soon as they are established and plant out late in the following spring[]. Consider giving them some protection from the cold during their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Poor to fair percentage[].
Basal ripewood cuttings late autumn in a cold frame[].