Rapanea salicina
Rapanea salicina (the accepted/preferred name in New Zealand is Myrsine salicina),[2] commonly known as toro,[3] is a species of shrub or small tree native to New Zealand.
| Rapanea salicina | |
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| Species: | R. salicina |
| Binomial name | |
| Rapanea salicina (Heward) Mez | |
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Description
Toro grows to 10 metres in height, with a trunk to 60 cm in diameter.[4] It has long oblong shaped leaves that are thick, glossy and leathery. Clusters of small (3 – 5 mm across) cream to pale pink coloured flowers are produced along the branches in spring, followed by single seeded, reddy-orange fruits.[5]
Distribution
This species is found on both the North and South Islands from the North Cape to southern Westland.[4] Its preferred habitat is lowland to montane forest.[4]
Threats
Toro is threatened in areas where the introduced possum occurs, as it is one of their preferred foods.[6]
References
- "Rapanea salicina (Heward) Mez". www.theplantlist.org. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- "Rapanea salicina (Heward ex Hook.f.) Mez". www.nzor.org.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- "toro". maoridictionary.co.nz. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
- Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume two. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 618. ISBN 9780909010089.
- de Lange, P. J. (10 February 2011). "Toronia toru | New Zealand Plant Conservation Network". www.nzpcn.org.nz. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
- "Some Effects of the Feeding Habits of the Possum Trichosurus Vulpecula | NZETC". nzetc.victoria.ac.nz. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
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