Myrsine salicina
Toro (Myrsine salicina) is a versatile native shrub with narrow, linear leaves and small white flowers followed by orange-red berries. This compact, bushy shrub is highly adaptable to various conditions and provides excellent habitat for native birds, particularly during winter when berries are available. The plant's distinctive foliage and tolerance of challenging conditions make it a valuable addition to native gardens and restoration projects. Toro is particularly well-suited to native shrubs collections and other coastal plants.
| Scientific Name | Myrsine salicina |
|---|---|
| Height | 3-8 meters |
| Spread | 2-4 meters |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade |
| Frost Tolerance | High |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Lifespan | 50-100 years |
Toro is highly adaptable to various climate conditions throughout New Zealand. It thrives in both coastal and inland environments, tolerating frost, wind, and drought. Particularly well-suited to exposed sites and challenging garden conditions. The plant's natural range extends from Northland to Stewart Island, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to different climatic zones and environmental conditions. The plant's ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and moisture levels makes it one of New Zealand's most versatile native shrubs.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Ideal |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Ideal |
| Dunedin | Ideal |
| Invercargill | Ideal |
Toro is adaptable to a wide range of soil types including clay, loam, and sandy soils. Prefers well-draining conditions but tolerates poor soils. Benefits from organic matter additions but not essential for survival. The plant's root system is well-developed and can access nutrients from deep within the soil profile, contributing to its ability to thrive in challenging conditions. The plant can handle both acidic and alkaline soils, though it performs best in slightly acidic to neutral conditions.
Performs well in full sun to partial shade. Tolerates exposed conditions and windy sites. Can grow in filtered light but flowering and fruiting are best in sunnier positions.
Drought-tolerant once established. Requires moderate watering during establishment. Tolerates both wet and dry conditions, making it suitable for various garden situations.
This native plant requires specific growing conditions to thrive in New Zealand gardens. Understanding these requirements is crucial for successful cultivation and conservation of this species.
This native plant plays a vital role in New Zealand's unique ecosystem, contributing to biodiversity and supporting local wildlife through its ecological interactions. The plant provides habitat and food sources for various native species while contributing to soil health and ecosystem stability.
Excellent for creating wildlife-friendly native gardens and restoration projects. The berries are particularly valuable for native birds during winter months. Ideal for formal plantings and wildlife gardens.
Spring care involves light pruning to maintain shape. Summer maintenance is minimal due to drought tolerance. Autumn preparation includes checking for pests. Winter care focuses on protecting from extreme cold in exposed locations.
Responds well to pruning and can be shaped into formal hedges. Prune after flowering to maintain desired shape. Remove dead or damaged branches as needed. Tolerates hard pruning if necessary.
Plant in well-draining soil in full sun to partial shade. Prepare the site by removing weeds and improving soil structure if needed. Plant at the same depth as the original container and water thoroughly after planting.
Can be propagated from seed or semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds germinate readily and cuttings root easily under mist conditions. Seeds can be collected from ripe berries in autumn.
Has traditional uses in Māori culture, with the berries sometimes used as a food source and the plant valued for its medicinal properties. The plant's hardiness and adaptability made it useful for various practical applications. This plant holds deep cultural significance in Māori traditions and continues to be valued for its historical importance and connection to New Zealand's indigenous heritage.
Generally pest-resistant and disease-free. Occasionally affected by scale insects or aphids. Monitor for common garden pests and treat promptly if infestations occur. Root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.
Toro is one of New Zealand's most valuable native shrubs for wildlife, providing important food sources for native birds. The berries are particularly valuable during winter when other food sources are scarce. The plant's distinctive foliage and tolerance of challenging conditions make it a valuable addition to native gardens and restoration projects throughout New Zealand.
Toro belongs to a diverse genus with many related species throughout New Zealand. Other Myrsine species share similar ecological roles and often occur together in native plant communities. The genus Myrsine is well-represented in New Zealand's native flora, with several species adapted to different environmental conditions.
Learn moreMyrsine salicina belongs to a broader family of native New Zealand plants that share evolutionary relationships and similar ecological adaptations. These related species often exhibit comparable growth patterns, environmental preferences, and cultural significance within Māori traditions.
Myrsine salicina should be planted in appropriate locations based on its natural habitat. Prepare the site by removing weeds and improving soil structure. Plant at the same depth as the original container and water thoroughly after planting.
Requires minimal care once established. Monitor soil moisture levels and water during extended dry periods. Apply light fertilizer in spring if needed. Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests or diseases.
This compact shrub typically grows 3-8 meters tall with a dense, bushy habit. The narrow, linear leaves are dark green and glossy, arranged in opposite pairs along the stems. Small white flowers appear in spring, followed by orange-red berries that persist through winter.
Toro is highly adaptable to various climate conditions throughout New Zealand. It thrives in both coastal and inland environments, tolerating frost, wind, and drought. Particularly well-suited to exposed sites and challenging garden conditions. The plant's ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures and moisture levels makes it one of New Zealand's most versatile native shrubs.
This species provides important habitat and food sources for native wildlife, particularly native birds. The berries are particularly valuable for native birds during winter months when other food sources are scarce. The plant's dense foliage provides excellent shelter for small birds and insects, while its ability to thrive in challenging conditions makes it an important component of native ecosystem restoration projects.
Toro grows well alongside other native shrubs such as Pittosporum species, Olearia species, and other Myrsine varieties. These plants create diverse, wildlife-friendly native gardens that support local biodiversity. The plant's ability to provide year-round habitat and food resources makes it particularly valuable for supporting native biodiversity in both urban and rural environments.
Toro is highly valued in landscaping for its aesthetic appeal and practical benefits. Its dense, bushy habit makes it excellent for hedges, windbreaks, and screening. The plant's tolerance of challenging conditions makes it ideal for difficult sites where other plants struggle. Its attractive berries and foliage provide year-round visual interest, while its wildlife-attracting qualities make it perfect for native gardens and restoration projects.
Conservation of Toro and its natural habitat is important for maintaining healthy native ecosystems throughout New Zealand. The plant's widespread distribution and adaptability make it a valuable component of native revegetation projects. Its ability to provide year-round food and shelter for native wildlife makes it particularly important for biodiversity conservation efforts in both urban and rural environments.
The natural environment and ecological conditions where this species thrives in the wild. Understanding the natural habitat helps gardeners recreate optimal growing conditions and supports conservation efforts for this native species.
Toro belongs to the Myrsinaceae family and is one of several Myrsine species found in New Zealand. The genus is well-represented in the country's native flora, with species adapted to various environmental conditions from coastal areas to montane regions.