University of California Publications in Botany. t v L - 



PITTOSPORUMS CULTIVATED IN CALIFORNIA. 



Pittosporum is the generic name of certain ornamental ever- 

 green trees and shrubs which have come to us mostly from New 

 Zealand, Australia, and the neighboring islands. About seventy 

 species are known, of which some fourteen have found their way 

 into California. 



The popularity of these plants is due to the ease with which 

 they are grown and to their suitability for planting in various 

 situations. It is a remarkable fact, however, that several of the 

 better sorts are scarcely known to our nurserymen and land- 

 scape gardeners. These have been introduced and grown on 

 private grounds where their superior qualities are fully appre- 

 ciated, but no particular effort has yet been made to extend their 

 cultivation. It is for the double purpose of making these species 

 better known and of providing keys and descriptions whereby 

 any Pittosporum grown in California may be identified, that this 

 account has been prepared. 



Special Uses. 



It has been said above that Pittosporums are suited to many 

 conditions. The species adapted to special purposes may be 

 grouped as follows: 



As a street or avenue tree P. undulatum (the Victorian Box) 

 has been much recommended in southern California, especially 

 by Mr. Ernest Braunton, and its rapid growth, large size, and 

 smooth, green leaves are certainly in its favor. It will, however, 

 require careful training and can be expected to attain stately 

 dimensions only where abundant summer heat and some irriga- 

 tion can be depended upon. A species of much greater promise 

 is P. rlwmbifolium, of which there are now several good exam- 

 ples in California. This has a more erect growth with a single 

 central shaft and pyramidal crown and is gorgeous with orange- 

 scarlet berries for several months in each year. P. phillyrae- 

 oides, P. eugenioides, and P. crassifolium may also be considered 

 in this connection, but are not to be generally recommended. 



For hedges P. undulatum is the best if a broad, massive hedge 

 is desired. P. eugenioides is the best in case a tall, narrow hedge 



