PLATE 16.—PITTOSPORUM CRAS SIFOLIUM. 
(THE KARO.) 
Famity PITTOSPORACE, ] [Genus PITTOSPORUM, Banks. 
Pittosporum crassifolium, A. Cunn. Precur. n. 612; Cheesem. Man. N.Z. FI. 58. 
The name of Pittosporum crassifolium was applied to this plant by Allan 
Cunningham in the belief that it was identical with a species collected by Banks 
and Solander at Poverty Bay during Cook’s first visit in 1769, and which bore the 
Same name in Solander’s manuscripts. In this view, however, Cunningham was 
mistaken, Solander’s plant having since been proved, from his own specimens, to 
be the very different P. Ralphii. As Cunningham’s name was the first actually 
published, it must be retained for the plant which he described. 
Pittosporum crassifolium has a very restricted geographical distribution. It 
occurs sparingly in the Kermadec Islands, is fairly plentiful along the coast-line 
of the North Island, from the North Cape to Poverty Bay, but is most abundant on 
the outlying islands off the north-eastern coast of the North Island. In a wild state 
it is never found far from the sea, and it does not extend southwards beyond the 
boundaries of the Auckland Provincial District. It is easily distinguished from all 
the other species by its strict erect habit, narrow-obovate coriaceous tomentose 
leaves, and large capsules 
Pittosporum crassifolium is now frequently cultivated as a hedge-plant, and 
is of great value for the formation of shelter-belts near the sea. It will bear exposure 
to the strongest winds, and may be seen growing naturally in places where it must 
be subject to a considerable amount of driving spray. In addition to the above, 
it is of easy cultivation and comparatively rapid in its growth. 
Pate 16. Pittosporum crassifolium, drawn from specimens (male and female) collected in the 
vicinity of Auckland. Fig. 1, male flower: 2, stamens and pistil; 3, abortive pistil; 4, section of 
the same; 5, female flower ; 6, pistil, with rudimentary stamens ; 7, section of ovary near the base ; 
8, section of ovary near the apex; 9, ripe fruit and section of same (natural size); 10, seed (natural 
size) ; 11, section of seed: 12, embryo. (All enlarged except 9 and 10.) 
