Hairy pittosporum, Yellow Pittosporum, Rough-fruited Pittosporum, Mock orange
Pittosporum revolutum

Family: Pittosporaceae

What it is like

A tall erect shrub. It can be 2-6 m tall. It can spread 2-5 m across. It has creeping underground stems. The young leaves are pink and silky. The mature leaves are deep green, glossy and narrowly oval. They are 5-15 cm long by 1.5-6 cm wide. The edges are slightly wavy. The veins are easy to see. The leaves can have rusty hairs underneath. The flowers are yellow and like tubes and have a sweet smell. They are 1.5 cm across. The lobes spread and roll back. Flowers are in small clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit is an orange capsule 2.5 cm across. It splits open to reveal bright red seeds.

There are about 200 Pittosporum species.

Where it is found

It grows in temperate regions but can grow in the tropics and subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It is mostly near the coast. They can grow in sheltered open forest or in rainforest. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand light frosts. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe

How it is used for food

The seeds are bitter tasting but have been eaten. The fruit is not eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings of young growth.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Pittosporum fulvum Rudge; Pittosporum hirsutum Link; Pittosporum revolutum var. tomentosum (Bonpl.) F. M. Bailey; Pittosporum tomentosum Bonpl.;