| Karo | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus: | Pittosporum |
| Species: | P. crassifolium |
| Binomial name | |
| Pittosporum crassifolium Banks & Sol. ex A.Cunn. |
|
Karo, Pittosporum crassifolium, is a small tree or shrub native to New Zealand. It is found in lowland and coastal forests throughout most of the North Island. Mature trees grow to about 5 metres (16 ft) in height. Other common names include in English stiffleaf cheesewood and in Māori kaikaro and kīhihi.[1]
Karo has dense dark gray-green leathery foliage and is an early coloniser, able to withstand high winds and salt spray. Clusters of small red-purple flowers appear in spring, developing into seed pods that split to expose the sticky seeds.
karo (Pittosporum crassifolium) are considered to be "weeds in cultivation" in California. They are being kept under observation to ensure they do not escape into the wild. [2]