Toronia toru (A.Cunn.) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs

Genus Classification

Toronia is a genus of trees in the plant family Proteaceae. This genus holds only one species: Toronia toru, which is endemic to New Zealand. The genus is closely related to the larger genus Persoonia.

Taxonomic History

This species was long classified within Persoonia, until Lawrie Johnson and Barbara G. Briggs placed it in its own separate new genus in their 1975 monograph "On the Proteaceae: the evolution and classification of a southern family". However, later phylogenetic studies show that Toronia is nested within the larger genus Persoonia, the group it was originally included in.

Growth Form and Distribution

Toronia toru is an evergreen tree that grows in the northern half of New Zealand's North Island. It is one of only two members of the protea family that grow in New Zealand.

Size

This tree reaches a height of 7 to 11 metres.

Morphology

It has long, slender green leaves, small yellow flowers, and fleshy fruits that range in color from red to dark purple-blue.