Coriaria sarmentosa
| Coriaria sarmentosa | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Cucurbitales |
| Family: | Coriariaceae |
| Genus: | Coriaria |
| Species: | C. sarmentosa |
| Binomial name | |
| Coriaria sarmentosa | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Coriaria sarmentosa is a native shrub or small tree of New Zealand. The species is one of the most abundant Coriaria species in New Zealand known as tutu, known for their toxicity.[1]
Description
The species is a branching large shrub, which has pairs of long glossy oval leaves, measuring between 40–50 mm (1.6–2.0 in) in length.[2]
Ecology
Coriaria sarmentosa dies back over the winter months.[2]
Distribution
The species is endemic to New Zealand,[2] found primarily in the South Island and the lower North Island.[3]
Toxicity
As with other species of tutu, the plant is poisonous, and is said to be strong enough to have killed many livestock, and even 2 elephants.[4] The convulsant toxin tutin might be present in all tissues, but is known to exist within leaves and fruit.[1][5]
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Coriaria sarmentosa.
- ^ a b Bascand, L. D. "The ecology, toxicity and control of Coriaria (Tutu) species in the South Island of New Zealand." Proc New Zeal Grassl Assoc (1976): 263-264.[1]
- ^ a b c "Coriaria sarmentosa". New Zealand Plant Conservation Network. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
- ^ "Coriaria sarmentosa G.Forst". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
- ^ Esler, Lloyd (27 August 2014). "Poisonous enough to kill an elephant". Stuff. Retrieved 3 June 2025.
- ^ "Te Māra Reo". www.temarareo.org. Retrieved 2025-06-04.