Tobira, Japanese cheesewood, Australian Laurel, Mock Orange, Japanese Pittosporum

Pittosporum tobira

Physical Characteristics

Pittosporum tobira is an evergreen Shrub growing to 6 m (19ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May. 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, southern Japan, southern Korea.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

None known

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].