Pittosporum tenuifolium - 'Beach Ball Kohuhu'

The 'Beach Ball' is a variant of the Kohuhu ( a fast growing evergreen that grows to 20 to 30 feet) and is  much smaller (3'-4') w/ glossy medium-green leaves on dark stems. Native to New Zealand, this plant was first introduced to California in 1865. This plant has since naturalized in California & Australia

Largely. indifferent to soil types, if well-drained; thrives in full-sun to partial shade; requires low-to-moderate water; often pruned in a spherical shape. Seaside tolerant, hardy to 15-20 ° F, does particularly well in cooler coastal gardens.


The Latin word pittosporum means sticky seeds & this plant was used by the Moari for resins, which are mixed with oils, for medicinal purposes. Today, this cultivar is primarily used as ornamental shrubs or hedges.

Acquisition: March 2026; Home & Garden Center; Cost: $10.00 (50% off)

I cannot figure out why this plant was on the 50% Off table..I've had him for close to 3 weeks now & I purposely let this plant 'sit in the corner" for awhile to see if I could identify his problem. He appears healthy..leaves have "greened-up"..as a test I lightly pruned some juvenile branches & they are back-budding, as expected. 

I'm going to continue on a conservative approach to curating this specimen, using "pinch & grow" to try & fill-out the foliage and repot him into a training pot.