Pittosporum ralphii
| Pittosporum ralphii | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |   |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Evergreen | |
| Height: | 13' |
| Width: | 10' |
| Blooms: | Late Spring |
| Native to: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Pittosporum ralphii
Propagation: Seed - sow when ripe in the autumn or in late winter in a warm greenhouse[1][2]. 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[1]. Consider giving them some protection from the cold during their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 7cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Poor to fair percentage[1].
Basal ripewood cuttings late autumn in a cold frame[2].
Cultivation: Requires a well-drained light loamy soil and a sunny position[2]. Very resistant to salt-laden winds[3][4].
This species is not very cold-hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c[2]. Plants succeed outdoors in milder areas of the country though they need greenhouse protection elsewhere[3][4].
Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required[2].
Closely related to P. crassifolium[3][5].
The species in this genus are very likely to hybridize with other members of the genus[2]. 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[2].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Lowland to lower montane forest margins and streamsides between latitudes 37° 30' south and 40°south on North Island[6].
Usage: Succeeds as a windbreak hedge in severe maritime exposure[5][2].
Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates maritime wind exposure
In Leaf: Evergreen
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Known Hazards: This plant contains saponins[7][8]. 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 i
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Shepherd, F. W.. Hedges and Screens. Royal Horticultural Society, 1974.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Rosewarne Experimental Horticultural Station. Shelter Trees and Hedges. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, 1984.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Lassak, Erich and Tara McCarthy. Australian Medicinal Plants.
- ↑ Ewart, Alfred. Recording Census of the Victorian Flora. 1923.