NZ evergreen. Broad erect green or bluish-green blades, erect tall flower heads in spring attract nectar feeding birds. Seed pods stand erect. Favours wet sites but adaptable. Used for shelter in exposed moist coastal sites.

Native, stiffly erect evergreen. Taller than usual flax, useful for sheltering stock. Seed pods stand erect. Favours wet sites but adaptable. Used for shelter in exposed moist coastal sites.

Pittosporum 'Stephens Island' is a form found growing on Stephens Island in the middle of Cook Strait. It has some resemblance to both Pittosporum tenuifolium and Pittosporum crassifolium (or may be a naturally occurring hybrid between P. tenuifolium and P. ralphii). It has a tidy habit with and upright medium form and will grow to a mature height of 5-10m. The small pointed foliage is smooth, blue/grey-green with a slight grey/green tomentose appearance. It adapts well to coastal conditions.

Broadly spreading, evergreen. Shiny leaves with dense white or pale buff tomentum on the underside. Tiny dark red scented flowers, followed by green 3cm capsules. Great coastal shelter but not for cold frosty inland districts.