Pittosporum cornifolium or tawhirikaro is endemic to the North and South Islands. It is found from sea-level to 600m asl. in lowland to lower montane forests, and on rocks throughout the North Island, and from the Marlborough Sounds to West Wanganui Inlet in the South Island. Although normally an epiphyte, it will grow quite well in a well-drained soil that has been enriched with plenty of humus. It prefers a shaded or part shaded position. In this situation it will become a very attractive shrub up to 1.5 -1.8m tall. It is a very distinctive shrub with a rather open habit, and thin branches, with shining, dark green leaves that are mostly in whorls. Its flowers are light red or yellowish in the spring. It is relatively hardy to lowland districts throughout NZ.