Pittosporum undulatum (Australian Cheesewood)

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Pittosporum, Genus, undulatum, Species,

Genus & species

Australian cheesewood

Pittosporaceae Eastern Australia

Attracts Pollinators Drought Tolerant Fragrant (strong)

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 9–11

Overview

Pittosporum undulatum is an evergreen tree growing 26-50 feet (8-15 m) tall with a dense, rounded canopy, native to the moist coastal forests of eastern Australia. The glossy dark green leaves are 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long and 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) wide with wavy margins, which give the species its epithet undulatum. In spring, clusters of cream-white, five-petalled flowers about 0.5 inch (12 mm) across open at the branch tips and release a strong orange-blossom scent. These are followed by round orange capsules 0.4-0.5 inch (10-12 mm) wide that split to reveal sticky seeds embedded in resinous pulp. Birds feed on the seeds and disperse them widely, and the species has naturalized well beyond its original range, becoming a recognized environmental weed in parts of Australia, southern Africa, and other temperate regions. Bark is grey and smooth. The tree casts dense shade that can suppress understory plants, and its vigorous self-seeding is a drawback near bushland.

Native Range

Native to eastern Australia, from coastal Queensland through New South Wales to eastern Victoria, where it grows in wet sclerophyll forest, rainforest margins, and gullies.

Suggested Uses

Planted as a shade tree, windbreak, or clipped hedge in mild coastal gardens and along streets. The fragrant spring flowers make it a common amenity tree in frost-free regions. Its weedy potential limits use near native bushland.

How to Identify

Identified by glossy dark green leaves with wavy margins clustered toward the branch tips. Fragrant cream-white spring flowers and clusters of orange capsules releasing sticky seeds are characteristic. Crushed leaves and bark have a faint resinous scent.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height26' - 50'

Width/Spread13' - 26'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Flowers: August–October

Spring

Strongly scented cream-white flowers appear in spring, mainly August to October, in terminal clusters. Flowering lasts about three to four weeks, after which orange seed capsules develop and persist into summer.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

glossy dark green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.5 (Acidic to alkaline)

3579

Soil Types

loam clay sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Pittosporum undulatum grows in full sun to part shade on a wide range of well-drained soils, tolerating clay, loam, and sand. Established trees withstand moderate drought, though young plants grow faster with regular moisture. Frost can damage juvenile foliage, restricting reliable growth to zones 9 to 11. It responds well to hard pruning and regenerates readily from the base. Because birds spread the seeds, the tree self-sows freely and can become weedy near bushland. No routine fertilizing is required in reasonable soils.

Pruning

Tolerates pruning at any time of year and is often clipped as a hedge or screen. Cutting back after flowering controls size and density. Removing seed capsules before they ripen reduces unwanted self-seeding.

Toxicity: Not assessed

Unknown

Related Pittosporum species