Description

Pittosporum crassifolium, commonly known as karo, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to New Zealand. It typically grows to around 5 meters tall and 4 meters wide, with ascending branches and dense foliage. The grey-green oval leaves have white, hairy undersides, and the plant produces clusters of dark red or burgundy flowers from spring to early summer. These flowers are highly fragrant at night, followed by green capsules that develop into seed pods, revealing sticky black seeds in late autumn.

Karo is a hardy plant, particularly well-suited to coastal environments, where it can withstand high winds and salt spray. It is also drought-tolerant and thrives in full sun or partial shade with well-drained soil. Due to its toughness, it is often used as a shelter plant, hedge, or screen and responds well to trimming. Naturally occurring throughout New Zealand's North Island, karo is now widely cultivated for its resilience and beauty. It is especially effective when planted under tall deciduous trees and is a notable choice for tricky planting situations.