| 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]
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]
Coriaria sarmentosa dies back over the winter months. [2]
The species is endemic to New Zealand, [2] found primarily in the South Island and the lower North Island. [3]
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]
