Pittosporum rhombifolium

Queensland Pittosporum
Pittosporaceae
Evergreen, Shrubs, Trees, Decorative fruit or berries

PITTOSPORUM

These plants are valued primarily for their foliage and form, though they also bear clusters of small, bell-shaped, often sweetly fragrant flowers followed by fairly conspicuous fruits the size of large peas. All are basic, dependable plants with pleasing outlines when allowed to branch naturally. Prune periodically to enhance form, thinning out weak branches and wayward shoots. Some make good clipped hedges. Excellent for screens,windbreaks. Susceptible to aphids and scale insects; sooty mold on leaves is a sign of infestation.Ripe fruits (usually orange) split open to reveal sticky seeds; fallen fruit can be a nuisance on lawns, paving.

Pittosporum rhombifolium

From Australia. Grows slowly to 15–35 ft. tall, 12–25 ft.wide. Rich green, glossy, nearly diamond-shaped leaves to 4 in. long. White flowers in late spring. Growth is open enough to let you see the showy clusters of round,1 1/2-in., yellow to orange fruits that decorate the plant from fall through winter. As a small tree, well suited for lawn or patio (as long as sticky fruit won’t pose a problem). Or plant several as a not-too-dense screen that needs little pruning. Resistant to oak root fungus.