Pittosporum
Pittosporum tobira
Family: Pittosporaceae · Also called Japanese Pittosporum, Mock Orange, Tobira, Euonymus tobira
Citrus & Bright · Spring bloomer
Pittosporum is the unsung hero of fragrant landscaping, an evergreen shrub so commonly planted that most people walk past it daily without realizing they're smelling it. The clusters of small, creamy-white flowers produce a rich, orange-blossom fragrance that wafts over sidewalks and gardens in late spring, often making people stop and look around for the source.
shelter, protection, welcome
In the Victorian language of flowers, pittosporum means “Warmth and welcome”. Pittosporum is so widely planted in Mediterranean climates that many people assume it's native. Its fragrance is so similar to orange blossom that it earns the common name 'mock orange' in some regions (not to be confused with Philadelphus). The name means 'pitch seed', the sticky coating on the seeds aids dispersal by birds.
Did You Know?
Pittosporum tobira is so commonly used as a hedge plant that most people don't realize it flowers at all. The fragrance is powerful enough to scent an entire block. The sticky, resinous coating on its bright orange seeds is the origin of its name: Greek 'pitta' (pitch) + 'sporum' (seed).
Coastal woodlands and scrub of Japan, China, and Korea
Pittosporum is native to East Asia. It naturally grows in coastal woodlands and scrub of japan, china, and korea.
Scent Profile
“A surprisingly rich orange-blossom-like fragrance with honey and jasmine notes, often mistaken for true orange blossom by passersby.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NamePittosporum tobira
- FamilyPittosporaceae
- Native ToEast Asia
- Bloom SeasonSpring
- LifespanPerennial
Cultural Significance
Pittosporum is so widely planted in Mediterranean climates that many people assume it's native. Its fragrance is so similar to orange blossom that it earns the common name 'mock orange' in some regions (not to be confused with Philadelphus). The name means 'pitch seed', the sticky coating on the seeds aids dispersal by birds.