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Pittosporum eugenioides (Tarata) - An evergreen upright shrub or small tree that typically grows to 25 feet tall (to nearly 40 feet in habitat) and 15 feet wide with glossy light to medium green 2- to 4-inch-long lanceolate leaves that have wavy margins and pale midribs. Clusters of honey scented yellow flowers are on a branched inflorescence in spring.
Plant in full coastal sun to light shade inland - does not do well in full sun inland and even in Southern California does best when planted in part sun. Irrigate regularly to occasionally. Hardy to around 20°F. A good tall screening plant, particularly in cooler areas such as the bay area.
This tree is native to both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand where it grows from sea level up to 2,500 feet in elevation. The name Pittosporum comes from the Greek words 'pitta' meaning "pitch" and 'spora' meaning "seed" in reference to the sticky seeds of many members of the genus and the specific epithet means "resembling Eugenia". Another common name is lemonwood. We grew this plant from 1982 until 2002.
The information about Pittosporum eugenioides that is displayed on this web page is based on research conducted in our nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We will also include observations made about this plant as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens that we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We also incorporate comments that we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they share cultural information that aids others growing this plant.
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