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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 tenuifolium

From New Zealand. To 15–25 ft. tall, 10–15 ft. wide. Similar in form to P. eugenioides but has darker twigs and leafstalks; purple flowers; shorter, more oval, deeper green leaves with less wavy edges; and greater tolerance for seacoast conditions.