Ralph's desertwillow
Pittosporum ralphii
Family: Pittosporaceae
What it is like
Pittosporum ralphii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower in May. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Height (m): 4
Where it is found
Lowland to lower montane forest margins and streamsides between latitudes 37° 30' south and 40°south on North Island.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Succeeds as a windbreak hedge in severe maritime exposure.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Requires a well-drained light loamy soil and a sunny position. Very resistant to salt-laden winds. This species is not very cold-hardy outdoors in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. Plants succeed outdoors in milder areas of the country though they need greenhouse protection elsewhere. Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required. Closely related to P. crassifolium. The species in this genus are very likely to hybridize with other members of the genus. 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.
Propagating it: Seed - sow when ripe in the autumn or in late winter in a warm greenhouse. 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. 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. Basal ripewood cuttings late autumn in a cold frame.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
This plant contains saponins. 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 if the food is thoroughly cooked for a long time. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish.