Family: Pittosporaceae

Native to many subtropical and tropical regions, this genus of about 200 species is particularly abundant in Australia and New Zealand. It provides some of the best, most useful garden shrubs and trees, with small, fragrant flowers in spring. Species are used for shade, shelter and hedges, as well as for ornamental garden specimens. they are also fairly widely grown in the US in zone 9, and some are hardy enough for zone 8. In frost-prone climates, the tender species can be grown in a cool greenhouse.

Species

P. crassifolium, karo, a native of New Zealand, is a tall shrub or small tree, to 5 m (16 ft) high. It has leathery, oval, deep green leaves and terminal clusters of fragrant, star-shaped, reddish purple, early summer flowers. The fleshy fruit is oval in shape and greenish white in colour. Cultivar 'Variegatum' grows to 3 m (10 ft) high, with gray to bright green leaves, edged in creamy white. It tolerates exposed coastal conditions and salty winds.

P. eugenioides, tarata or lemon wood, also from New Zealand, is a lovely, fast-growing large shrub or small tree, to about 12 m (40 ft). Densely foliaged, the wavy-edged, shiny, yellow-green leaves emit a lemon aroma when crushed. This species has a grayish white, smooth trunk and produces clusters of small, yellow flowers in summer, followed by large clusters of oval, green fruit which persist through autumn and winter. Cultivar 'Variegatum', growing to 4.5 m (15 ft), is an excellent, creamy yellow-variegated foliage form, and is the most popular with gardeners.

P. phillyreoides, weeping pittosporum, is a graceful tree, to around 10 m (33 ft), with shiny, dark green leaves on pendulous branches. The yellow flowers are borne singly or in small clusters at the ends of the branches, and are followed by deep yellow fruits which ripen to a reddish brown.

P. rhombifolium, orange-berried pittosporum, a native of the rainforests of eastern Australia, may grow to 20 m (65 ft) but is generally about 10 m (33 ft) in cultivation. It has glossy, oval leaves and clusters of small, creamy white flowers, followed by bright orange berries. The berries are very decorative and are persistent on the tree for many months. It is an ideal small tree for the home garden and is widely planted as a street tree in some areas.

P. tenuifolium, kohuhu, zone 8, from New Zealand, grows into a small tree or tall shrub of around 10 m (33 ft). The attractive, silvery green, wavy-edged leaves contrast with the blackish stems and bark. Small, purple, deliciously scented flowers appear in spring, followed by round, green fruits, ripening to black. Many forms make excellent, hardy garden plants.

P. tobira, Japanese mock orange, zone 8, from japan and China, is a slow-growing shrub or small tree, up to 5 m (16 ft) high, mainly grown for its attractive, wavy; leathery, (dark green leaves, and creamy yellow flowers with a lovely fragrance of orange blossom. Clusters or orange-yellow fruit follow the flowers. Particularly hardy and wind-resistant, it also tolerates coastal exposure. It is often cultivated as a tub plant, especially in Europe.

P. undulatum, Australian mock orange, is a tree, to 12 in 140 ft) tall, with wavy, dark green leaves and small, whitish cream to yellow, spring and summer flowers with a very strong, daphne-like perfume. The fruit is a yellow berry.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse or conservatory, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost. Provide maximum light and airy conditions. Stand plants outdoors for the summer. In the garden, grow in any well-drained, moisture-retentive soil, in a sunny position. Shelter from wind. Green-leaved pittosporums will tolerate partial shade. Hedges can be trimmed in spring and summer. Propagate from fresh seed under glass, or from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, with bottom heat.

Climate

Zone 9 for most species.