Pittosporum undulatum
Common name
sweet pittosporum
Family
Pittosporaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Trees & Shrubs - Dicotyledons
Conservation status
Not applicable
Similar taxa
Can be distinguished from all indigenous NZ species and other species in cultivation by the combination of the following characters, Petioles purplish; lamina to 15 x 5 cm, elliptic, strongly undulate; fls in terminal panicles, very fragrant; petals 10-12 mm long, almost white, reflexing; capsules 1-1.5 cm diam., subglobose before dehiscence, orange; seeds deep orange and extremely viscid (Webb et al 1988).
Flower colours
White
Year naturalised
1970
Origin
S.E. Australia
Etymology
pittosporum: Pitch seed
National Pest Plant Accord species
This plant is listed in the 2020 National Pest Plant Accord. The National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is the most significant way of spreading the plant in New Zealand. For up to date information and an electronic copy of the 2020 Pest Plant Accord manual (including plant information and images) visit the MPI website.
Reason For Introduction
Ornamental
Reproduction
Reproduces from seed, also can re-sprout from wind damage in Jamaica (P. Bellingham pers com.)
Dispersal
Seed is dispersed by birds (Webb et al 1988, Heenan et al 2002)