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Story: Shrubs and small trees of the forest

Black matipo

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Black matipo

Kōhūhū, or black matipo (Pittosporum tenuifolium), is common in regenerating forest throughout much of New Zealand. It is distinguished by dark grey branchlets and pale leaves with a wavy edge. Its flowers are nearly black and emit a sweet perfume at night.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10056156

by Dick Veitch

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How to cite this page

Joanna Orwin, Shrubs and small trees of the forest – Pittosporums, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/13843/black-matipo (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Joanna Orwin, published 1 March 2009, updated 1 July 2015.