Tarata
Pittosporum eugenioides
Family: Pittosporaceae
What it is like
Pittosporum eugenioides is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 5 m (16ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Height (m): 10
Where it is found
Lowland and montane forests, North and South Islands.
New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A resin obtained by incision or bruising the bark is used as a chewing gum.
Gum: can be chewed as a chewing gum or can often be used as a sweetener or thickening agent in foods.
Medicine
Rating: 1
Antihalitosis.
Antihalitosis: Treats bad breath
Other
Rating:
The resin is also used as a hair oil, in pot pourri and to treat halitosis.
Gum: Gums have a wide range of uses, especially as stabilizers, emulsifiers, thickening agents, adhesives etc.
Hair: Plants used as hair shampoos, tonics, to treat balding etc.
Pot-pourri: Aromatic plants used to impart a pleasant smell to an area. Can this be grouped with incense or essential oil?
Resin: Used in perfumery, medicines, paints, soap making etc. This also includes turpentine, which is extracted from many resins and used as a preservative, water proofer etc,
How it is grown
Succeeds in any well-drained soil, including dry soils, preferably in a sunny position but also succeeding in light shade. Not very hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c. Plants succeed outdoors in Cornwall, though they need greenhouse protection in other parts of the country. Very amenable to pruning, plants can be cut right back into old wood if required. There are some named varieties selected for their ornamental value. 'Variegatum' is hardier than the type. 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; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness: 8-11
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no mention has been found for this species, some members of this genus contain 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.