Pittosporum (Lemonwood,Tarata) Pittosporum eugeniodes
(Unranked): Angiosperms
(Unranked): Eudicots
(Unranked): Asterids
Order: Apiales
Family: Pittosporaceae
Genus: Pittosporum
Species: P. eugenioides
Scientific name: Pittosporum eugeniodes,
Common name: Lemonwood, Tarata
Whilst young a Lemonwood tree has a conical shape that broadens and spreads with age to 20m in height, the largest NZ Pittosporum. The trunk of 60cm is encased in bark. The small yellow flowers grow in large sprays and have a pleasant smell. The leaves are yellow green with undulating margins and a lemon scent can be smelt if crushed. Naturally occurring throughout NZ from sea level to 600m.
The Maori used the gum from the bark in complex scent formula along with parts of other plants.
A stand of very large Pittosporum eugeniodes at Otari-Wilton's Bush Reserve Wellington.
A small tree
Lemonwood flowers early October
Close up of Lemonwood flowers 
Lemonwood fruit late October
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