Myrsine salicina, synonym Rapanea salicina,[1][2] commonly known as toro,[3] is a species of shrub or small tree native to New Zealand.[1]
| Myrsine salicina | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Primulaceae |
| Genus: | Myrsine |
| Species: | M. salicina
|
| Binomial name | |
| Myrsine salicina | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
editToro 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
editThis 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
editToro is threatened in areas where the introduced possum occurs, as it is one of their preferred foods.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b c d "Myrsine salicina (Hook.f.) Heward ex Hook.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
- ^ "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.
- ^ a b c 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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