Pittosporum tobira - Pittosporum or Pitt
Family Pittosporaceae
Description:
About 200 species of Pittosporum are native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. These are evergreen shrubs and trees. Typically, this species has dark green leaves. Most of the plants on campus have variegated leaves with irregular, cream-colored edges. Fragrant white flowers are held in clusters at branch tips, unless they are pruned off.
In addition to the common green and variegated forms, some dwarf cultivars are planted on campus.
Location:
See this plant scattered throughout campus used as a hedge or foundation planting.
Size:
Large shrub or small tree to about fifteen feet tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: full sun to part shade
Water: drought tolerant
Soil: adaptable to a wide pH range, well-drained
This sturdy plant is widely grown in Jacksonville. It is an attractive shrub where it can grow naturally. It can be trained easily into a small tree. Too often, it is planted where a smaller shrub is needed and becomes unsightly as a result of over-pruning. The plant pictured above is 'Shima,' a new cultivar that is reported to grow to only three feet tall.