Toro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Toro |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Rapanea
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| Species: |
R. salicina
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| Rapanea salicina (Heward) Mez
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Toro (also known as Myrsine salicina) is a special type of shrub or small tree. It grows naturally in New Zealand. This plant is known for its strong, shiny leaves and pretty flowers.
Contents
What Does Toro Look Like?
Toro can grow quite tall, up to 10 metres (about 33 feet) high. Its trunk can be as wide as 60 centimetres (about 2 feet).
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits
The leaves of the toro plant are long and have an oblong shape. This means they are longer than they are wide, with rounded ends. They are also thick, glossy, and feel a bit like leather.
In spring, you can see small flowers growing in groups along the branches. These flowers are tiny, only about 3 to 5 millimetres across. They are usually cream-coloured or a very light pink. After the flowers, the plant grows reddy-orange fruits. Each fruit has just one seed inside.
Where Does Toro Grow?
Toro plants are found on both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. You can see them from the very top, at North Cape, all the way down to southern Westland.
Toro's Home
Toro likes to live in forests. It grows in lowland forests, which are close to sea level. It also grows in montane forests, which are found on the sides of mountains.
Why is Toro in Danger?
Sadly, toro plants face a threat in some areas. An animal called the possum was brought to New Zealand a long time ago. Possums love to eat toro plants.
Possums and Toro
When there are too many possums, they can eat a lot of toro plants. This makes it hard for the toro to grow and survive. Because of this, toro is considered threatened in places where possums live.
