Botanical family: Pittosporaceae

Hymenosporum flavum

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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A medium-sized evergreen tree, up to 18-21ft tall. It is the only member of the genus Hymenosporum (from the Greek hymen (membrane) and sporos (seed), referring to the membranaceous wing on the seed). It is a popular garden subject because of its glossy foliage and flowers. Leaves are simple, alternate 2" - 6", soft, dark green above, paler and sometimes a little hairy below. Juvenile leaves toothed. Flowers are the heavily perfumed cream darkening to yellow on slender stalks at ends of branch lets, the flowers are also known to attract birds and bees; however, be aware this tree can be messy when the flowers begin to drop off. Blooming time is March - November. Fruits of brown irregular capsules splitting into 2 to reveal numerous flat winged seeds. Not edible fruits are ripen in December - April. Propagation: Seed germinates within a few weeks. Best planted in a sunny, wind-protected area, watering needs 4 times monthly. The hymenosporum flavum can tolerate semi-shade conditions. During the early years, it is best to stake the tree to ensure a straight trunk. Hymenosporum flavum seeds are flat and have a papery wing with the small pod at the tip of the seed. They will take up to two months to germinate with a high percentage of germination, it is always best to try for fresh seed with natives but you might be lucky with the packet ones. A fast growing evergreen medium to tall shrub or small tree with dark green glossy leaves. Perfect for any garden, landscape or street planting.

Pittosporum angustifolium, Pittosporum phillyraeoides

Plants tolerate much wetter conditions in cultivation than they experience in their native habitat.

Pittosporum crassifolium

Pittosporum crassifolium is an easy to care for evergreen shrub that prefers full sun and regular watering. It's a resilient plant that tolerates salt spray, making it suitable for seaside and marshy environments. This species of Pittosporum is an ideal looking to add some vibrancy and texture to your garden, particularly if planted in groups. Growing best in USDA hardiness zone 9-11, the Stiff Leaf Cheesewood can thrive in warm and cold climates alike.

In terms of care, Pittosporum crassifolium is a fairly low maintenance shrub. For optimal growth, they should be watered around 1-2 times per week. In warmer climates, the plant will require a moderate amount of water, whereas cooler climates can get away with less frequent watering. Pruning should be done before flowering, which generally occurs in late winter or spring. This will help encourage new growth while also keeping the shrub at a manageable height.

If grown in colder regions, Pittosporum crassifolium can be planted in a container and kept indoors. When kept in a pot, it is best to water the plant about once a week or so when the soil is dry. Pruning should also be done in the winter or early spring. The plant should be given plenty of sun, either by putting it outside during the day or placing it in the sunniest window. When kept in colder climates, it's important to check the soil from time to time, as it can be relatively soggy during rainy periods or excessively dry during winter. Finally, be sure to give your shrub some fertilizer as needed in order to promote healthy growth.

Pittosporum daphniphylloides

A large evergreen shrub with bold leathery foliage up to 23cm long and dense rounded clusters of sweetly scented, soft-yellow, small flowers in spring. Its leaves are much larger than those of the common pittosporum, six to eight inches long and two to three inches wide.

Pittosporum heterophyllum

Pittosporum hosmeri, Pittosporum amplectens

Pittosporum hosmeri (Kona Cheeswood) is a large shrub or small tree native to Hawaii. It can grow to 5-10 feet tall, with a spread of up to 8 feet. Its leaves are long and narrow, up to 10 inches long, and they are dark olive green. Its bark is reddish-brown and smooth.

Pittosporum hosmeri prefers full sun or semi-shade and requires regular or moderate water depending on the climate it is grown in. It does best in USDA Zone 9-11, and can be grown in colder climates in containers. In areas that experience frost and cooler temperatures, it is best to bring the container indoors before winter sets in. To help protect the plant from the cold, provide some protection such as a winter cover or grow in a sheltered area.

When given the right conditions and care, Pittosporum hosmeri can produce off-white, sweetly-fragrant flowers from late winter to early summer. The flowers appear in clusters of 9 to 12 and are arranged in an umbrella-pattern.

To encourage blooms, and keep Pittosporum hosmeri healthy, be sure to prune and groom it regularly - removing dead and damaged branches in early spring and pruning to shape in the summer. Pittosporum hosmeri is a slow-growing plant and very tolerant of pruning, so take time to carefully trim to the desired shape. Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer in spring, and give a light trim after flowering. Pittosporum hosmeri is drought tolerant, but may require supplemental water during long dry spells.

Pittosporum moluccanum, Pittosporum timorense

Pittosporum pentandrum

Pittosporum ramiflorum

Pittosporum rhombifolium

However it is called Diamond Pittosporum due to the shape of the leaves. It is generally inconspicuous until it flowers - when the whole tree becomes a mass of white - and then the tree becomes orange due to the enormous volume of orange fruits.