Pittosporum tenuifolium

Endemic to the vast green expanses of New Zealand, this fascinating shrub with its glossy leaves and elegant shape never fails to fascinate. Pittosporum tenuifolium, commonly known as kōhūhū and black matipo, and the other Māori names kohukohu and tawhiwhi, is a remarkable plant that captivates amateur gardeners the world over.

Holidaymakers here at our four-star campsite Les Jardins de La Pascalinette ® in the Var, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur, are lucky enough to able to be able admire its blooms during their summer break!

You’ll find other varieties of Pittosporum on show at the campsite too, such as the vary graphic Variegated pittosporum and Dwarf Japanese Pittosporum.

This shrub, often nicknamed kōhūhū by the Māoris, is much more than a simple piece of the landscape – it is deeply rooted in New Zealand culture and history. The Māori people once used the wood of the Pittosporum to make weapons and utensils, while its leaves were used in traditional medicine to treat various ills.

A well-known anecdote tells that Pittosporum was used as a landmark by European sailors during their voyages to distant climes. Sailors relied on its presence on the shores to calculate their position and navigate accordingly.

In addition to its historical importance, Pittosporum tenuifolium offers a stunning visual display.

Here at our eco-friendly nature campsite, a holder of the LPO Bird Protection League Refuge label, it is much loved as its berries attract a multitude of local birds in summer.

Its ability to thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to urban gardens, makes it a popular landscaping choice for the parks and gardens of the Var area, French Riviera-Côte d’Azur.