Pittosporum patulum facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pittosporum patulum |
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| Conservation status | |
 Nationally Endangered (NZ TCS) |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pittosporum
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| Species: |
patulum
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Pittosporum patulum is a special plant that only grows in New Zealand. It is a small tree found in certain parts of the South Island. You can find it from Nelson in the north, through Marlborough, all the way down to Wanaka in the south.
This plant is quite unique because it has deep red flowers that smell nice. Most other plants in its group, called Pittosporum, do not have flowers like this.
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About Pittosporum Patulum
Pittosporum patulum is a small tree. It usually grows in high-up, cool places, like sub-alpine areas. These are places just below where the mountains are too cold for trees to grow.
Where Does It Live?
This tree likes to grow in specific spots. It often lives in gaps in forests where trees like Nothofagus (also known as beech trees) grow. It can also be found in "scree" areas. Scree is a slope covered with small, broken rocks. These places are often open and sunny, which the plant needs to grow well.
Why Is This Plant Special?
The Pittosporum patulum is not very common. It is considered an endangered species. This means there are not many of these plants left in the wild.
- Threats to the plant:
- Animals eating it: Wild animals, especially those not native to New Zealand, can eat the young plants or leaves. This makes it hard for new plants to grow.
- Grazing: Farm animals like sheep or cows can also eat the plants if they wander into the forest.
Protecting This Plant
Because Pittosporum patulum is so rare, people are working to protect it.
- Conservation Status:
- The IUCN Red List has listed it as "Endangered." This is a worldwide list that tracks plants and animals at risk.
- In New Zealand, it is listed as "Nationally Endangered" by the New Zealand Threat Classification System. This system helps New Zealand keep track of its own threatened species.
In 1999, a special plan was made to help this plant recover. This plan guides how people can protect it and help its numbers grow again. Sometimes, people also grow Pittosporum patulum in gardens to help save it.
