Accession Count: 280
Common Name:
mock orange, Japanese cheesewood, Tobira
Family Name:
Pittosporaceae
Botanical Name:
Pittosporum tobira
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Pittosporum tobira is a rounded, upright, evergreen tree that can grow up to six feet tall and equally as wide, though it is often much smaller (1, 2, 3). The leaves are one to five inches long, leathery, and glossy on top (1, 2). In the spring, small white flowers bloom just above leaf clusters that put off a sweet citrus like smell, hence this plant’s common name of “mock orange” (1). Clusters of fragrant white flowers resembling orange blossoms. The foliage is a favorite with flower arrangers. Leathery, sometimes glossy leaves.
Compound:
Pit tob
Geographic Origin:
Eastern Asia
Ecozone Origin:
Indomayala
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Japanese pittosporum is native to China and Japan and other eastern regions of Asia. It is a great serviceable plant that can now be found coast to coast in the United States(5).
Cultivation Notes:
P. tobira tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they are not constantly wet (1, 2). The plant should be watered weekly, and more often in heat (1). Mature plants are drought tolerant (1, 2) but will appear worn during extended dry periods (1). They can be planted in partial or full sun, but will grow taller when they have more shade (1).
Ethnobotany:
Landscape value: border, barrier, windbreak, container plant. Susceptible to root rot. Attractive berries. Scented flowers. Requires little care.
Height:
6 - 10 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
