Myrsine salicina

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 Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Primulaceae
Genus: Myrsine
Species:
M. salicina
Binomial name
Myrsine salicina
(Hook.f.) Heward ex Hook.f.[1]
Synonyms[1]
  • Rapanea salicina (Hook.f.) Mez
  • Suttonia salicina Hook.f.

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
  1. "Myrsine salicina (Hook.f.) Heward ex Hook.f." Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2022-04-13.
  2. "Rapanea salicina (Heward ex Hook.f.) Mez". www.nzor.org.nz. Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  3. "toro". maoridictionary.co.nz. Retrieved 3 July 2012.
  4. Eagle, Audrey (2008). Eagle's complete trees and shrubs of New Zealand volume two. Wellington: Te Papa Press. p. 618. ISBN 9780909010089.
  5. de Lange, P. J. (10 February 2011). "Toronia toru | New Zealand Plant Conservation Network". www.nzpcn.org.nz. Retrieved 2019-05-17.
  6. "Some Effects of the Feeding Habits of the Possum Trichosurus Vulpecula | NZETC". nzetc.victoria.ac.nz. Retrieved 2019-05-17.


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