Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Botanical name

Pittosporum crassifolium

Other names

Karo, Stiffleaf cheesewood, Caro, Evergreen pittosporum, Parchment bark

Genus

Pittosporum Pittosporum

Species

P. crassifolium - P. crassifolium is a large, tender, evergreen shrub or small tree with upright stems bearing ovate to elliptic, dark green leaves, white-hairy beneath, grey-green when young. Terminal clusters of dark red to reddish-purple flowers in early summer are followed by spherical, brown seed capsules.

Foliage

Evergreen

Fragrance

The flower is scented.

Habit

Erect

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested.

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Colour

Flower

Dark-red, Purple in Summer

Foliage

Grey-green in Spring; Dark-green in All seasons

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How to care

Watch out for

Specific diseases

Leaf spot , Powdery mildew

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1. Tolerates hard pruning.

Propagation methods

Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo) will reach a height of 10m and a spread of 5m after 5-10 years.

Suggested uses

Wallside and trellises, Mediterranean, Low Maintenance, Indoor, Hedging/Screens, Drought Tolerant, Conservatory, Beds and borders

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, well-drained soil in a sheltered, sunny position. Tolerates light shade and coastal conditions. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in full light.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Pittosporum crassifolium (Karo)

Common pest name

; mango aphid

Scientific pest name

Aphis odinae

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

2

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Aphid pest unlikely to survive in the UK and considered to be little or no pytosanitary risk.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/