Weeping Pittosporum, Narrow-leaf Pittosporum

Pittosporum phillyreoides

Physical Characteristics

Pittosporum phillyreoides is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Gum Seed - dried and ground into a powder[61, 105, 173]. Very bitter[46, 144, 193]. A good edible gum is obtained from this plant[144, 173]. It oozes from wounded branches[193].

Medicinal Uses

Antipruritic Antispasmodic Eczema Galactogogue Antispasmodic, antipruritic, galactogogue. Used in the treatment of eczema, pruritis and colds.

Known Hazards

This plant contains saponins[152, 154]. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down if the food is thoroughly cooked for a long time. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].