| Myrsine salicina | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| 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. | |
| Synonyms | |
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Myrsine salicina, synonym Rapanea salicina, commonly known as toro, is a species of shrub or small tree native to New Zealand.
Description
Toro grows to 10 metres in height, with a trunk to 60 cm in diameter. 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.
Distribution
This species is found on both the North and South Islands from the North Cape to southern Westland. Its preferred habitat is lowland to montane forest.
Threats
Toro is threatened in areas where the introduced possum occurs, as it is one of their preferred foods.
References
- ^ "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.
- ^ 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.
| Taxon identifiers | |
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| Myrsine salicina | |
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