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Seed pods
Pittosporum tree
Pittosporum craqssifolium

This New Zealand Pittosporum is known for its toleration of seaside conditions and its versatility for growing as a hedge or small tree. Gray green foliage on 1-2 inch oval leaves. Trunk is gray and mottled like our coastal oak. Vivid maroon flowers are striking in this framework and are sweetly fragrant. Spring flowers are followed by tri part pods that split open to reveal black seeds. Seeds have a historic use as a blue dye down under and can stain sidewalks.

Karo can be grown as a hedge — there are lower growing varieties like 'Compactum' that are well suited for this purpose. Taller varieties can be shaped as a small street tree with yearly pruning to achieve this effect.

Maximum height
25 feet
20 feet wide

Life Span
80+ years


Criteria for Ranking

Ranking
1 (low) - 5 (high)

Drought Tolerance after first year establishment 3*
Wind Tolerance 4*
Frost Tolerance 5
Surface Roots/Sidewalk Lifting 5
Power Lines Proximity

5
Cost/Maintenance 4*
Disease Resistance/Hardiness 3*
   
*note Taro looks best with regular water, but can tolerate periods of drought.
*note Tree form will be shaped by a prevailing wind.
*note species does need pruning to create or maintain tree form
*note Karo is susceptible to sooty mold, aphids and scale insects.

Location Tallmon Drive has 2 small karo trees on right side in the sidewalk strip. Also 2 larger trees can be seen on Begonia Circle on the corner of Michael Drive.