kohuhu with small dark leaves and vanilla-scented flowers

Size
Height: 8–10 m
Lifespan
50–100 years
Diet
Herbivorous – absorbs nutrients through extensive root system. A fast-growing, adaptable tree that thrives in a wide range of conditions. Prefers well-drained, fertile soils. Tolerates wind, salt spray, and moderate drought. Often used in hedging and shelter belts.
Habitat
Lowland forests, scrublands, and coastal areas. Prefers well-drained, fertile soils and open, sunny locations. Tolerates wind, salt spray, and moderate drought. Often found along forest margins, in coastal scrub, and in regenerating bush. A versatile and adaptable species.
Range
Found throughout the North and South Islands in lowland forests, scrublands, and coastal areas. Most common in lowland and coastal regions, from Northland to Southland. Also widely planted in gardens and parks.
Endemism
Endemic
Main Threats
None significant – this species is common and widespread. Localised threats include habitat loss from land development, browsing by introduced mammals, and competition from invasive weeds.
Population
Kohuhu is a common, fast-growing pittosporum with small, wavy-edged, pale green leaves and dark, almost black bark. One of New Zealand most versatile native trees, used extensively in hedging and garden plantings.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
The everyman of the New Zealand forest. Kohuhu has a versatility that has made it one of the most widely planted native trees in the country. At eight to ten metres in height, it is a small, fast-growing tree, with a dense, rounded crown and dark, almost black bark. The leaves are small, wavy-edged, and pale green, giving the tree a soft, feathery appearance. A tree of the edges. Kohuhu grows in lowland forests, scrublands, and coastal areas, preferring well-drained, fertile soils and open, sunny locations. It tolerates wind, salt spray, and moderate drought, making it a common sight along the coast and in exposed, windy sites. A fast-growing, adaptable species, able to thrive in a wide range of conditions. Its small, dark red to purple flowers are fragrant, appearing in spring and attracting bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a small, woody capsule that splits open to reveal sticky, black seeds, dispersed by birds. Kohuhu has become a staple of New Zealand gardens and landscaping. Used extensively in hedging, shelter belts, and garden plantings, valued for its fast growth, dense foliage, and tolerance of wind and salt spray. Also a favourite of tūī and bellbird, which feed on its nectar and fruit. To see a Kohuhu is to see a tree that has made the transition from wild forest to human garden. A reminder that plants of New Zealand are not just for the bush, but can be brought into our cities and towns, where they continue to provide food and shelter for native birds.