PITTOSPORUM tenuifolium (P.nigricans)

Refined shrub, or sometimes small tree, perennial and evergreen, with rapid growth, with an erect and compact posture and with New Zealand origins: when fully developed it can reach a height of 5 m and widen even beyond 2 m. Well lignified and branched from the base, it has numerous stems, with an erect or slightly bent outward trend, which overall give the plant a thick, regular and rounded appearance: the bark of these branches is characteristically dark red in color. blackish, an element that, making the foliage stand out, makes them particularly sought after in the creation of floral compositions. The leaves, small and leathery, glabrous, ovate, with smooth but slightly wrinkled margins and acute apex, shiny and dark green, are arranged alternately on very close knots. In late spring on the apexes of the branches appear small inflorescences composed of a few minute tubular flowers, with five-lobed corolla, purplish red, delicately perfumed, much visited by bees for their abundant nectar; They are followed in autumn by spherical, semi-woody fruits containing various fertile seeds wrapped in a resinous, viscous pulp: it is from this particularity that the genus name "Pittosporum" is born, which in Greek means "resinous seed".

It prefers sunny, bright or only partially shady positions; it adapts to any type of soil, as long as it is permeable and well drained. It can cope with even prolonged periods of drought and does not tolerate the presence of salty winds in coastal areas where it is therefore preferable to ensure a protected position. It bears minimum winter temperatures only a few degrees below zero; therefore in regions with intense and long-lasting cold, choose a sheltered position or guarantee him shelter in a cool and bright place in winter. Of great effect grown in large pots or containers on terraces and balconies, taking care to carry out periodic summer wetting; in the open ground we can choose it to create, arranging various specimens in sequence, very original and easy-to-maintain green barriers, or alone.