Rusty Pittosporum, Mock Orange
Pittosporum ferrugineum

Family: Pittosporaceae

What it is like

A tall shrub or small tree. It grows up to 20 m tall. Sometimes it is only 3-4 m tall. The branches have rusty hairs. The leaves are 25 cm long by 8 cm wide. They are alternate and sword shaped. They are dark green above and with rusty hairs underneath. Flowers are about 0.8 cm across. They are white or creamy yellow. They occur in groups at the ends of branches. The flower petals are 6-7 mm long. The fruit is a 3-valve capsule. It is tiny and the fruit is a dull yellow. The fruit is about 1.5 cm across. The seeds are right red and sticky.

There are about 200 Pittosporum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits seasonally dry areas. It does best in shade. It needs well drained soils. It grows in vine forests and on the edges of rainforests.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Christmas Island, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Malesia, Malaysia, Micronesia, Myanmar, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Pohnpei, SE Asia, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, Vietnam

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds

How it is grown

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

Its other names

Local names

Akar belalang puak, Akar pulai puak, Chabek hantu, Hacchau set, Khuy-ao, Pokok kekialu pajan

Synonyms

Pittosporum linifolium R. Cunn.; Pittosporum ovatifolium F. Muell.; Pittosporum queenslandicum Domin.;