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
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 possums occur, as it is one of their preferred foods.^[6]