Karo, kaikaro, kīhihi, Pittosporum crassifolium (photo, John Braggins)

Tarata, kīhihi, lemonwood, Pittosporum eugenoides
(photo, John Braggins)

Plant description

Pittosporum species range from bushes to small trees 4-12 m in height. Tarata has distinctive lemon-scented leaves and tiny yellow-green flowers. The other two species have larger purple-to-deep crimson flowers; those of kōhūhū or koihu (Pittosporum tenuifolium) release a sweet perfume in the evening.

Karo is restricted to the North Island, but tarata and kōhūhū range from the North Island to the South Island.
More on karo, tarata

Uses

A gum is extracted from the bark of all three species and used by itself or together with that of pūhā (Sonchus species) as a cure for bad breath, sore gums or other ailmenents of the mouth.

A compress obtained from soaked bark of kōhūhū is useful in treating chest ailments.
Kōhūhū is also used to treat skin ailments including eczema of the scalp.

A decoction of tarata leaves and bark are used to treat rheumatism; the leaves of this plant are also used to produce a disinfectant.

The leaves and flowers are used to produce a highly fragrant scent for the body and for scenting rooms.