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Description
Pittosporum Arborescens is a small evergreen tree or shrub that belongs to the pittosporum family. It is native to New Zealand and is also commonly known as the New Zealand Pittosporum. The plant can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but it can also be pruned to a smaller size. The leaves of the Pittosporum Arborescens are glossy and dark green, with a wavy edge, and are about 3 to 5 inches long. The tree produces small, fragrant, creamy-white flowers in the spring, which are followed by small, brown, woody capsules that contain seeds.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Pittosporum |
Appearance
The Pittosporum Arborescens is a beautiful plant with its glossy, dark green leaves that are wavy on the edges. The leaves grow alternately on the stem, and they are about 3 to 5 inches long. The tree produces small, creamy-white flowers in the spring, which are about 0.5 inches wide and have a sweet fragrance. The flowers are followed by small, brown, woody capsules that contain the seeds. The tree has a dense, rounded canopy, and it can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, but it can also be pruned to a smaller size.
Care Guide
The Pittosporum Arborescens is a low maintenance plant and can be grown in a variety of soils, as long as they are well-draining. Here are some tips on how to care for the plant:Water: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it, as this can cause root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring to encourage healthy growth.Soil: The plant can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade, so make sure it gets enough sunlight.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pittosporum Arborescens is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be affected by some common pests and diseases. Here are some of them:Pests: Spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs can infest the plant, causing discoloration and stunted growth.Diseases: Root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew can affect the plant, causing leaf drop and discoloration.
Habitat
The Pittosporum Arborescens is native to New Zealand and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and coastal areas. The plant prefers well-draining soils and full sun to partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Pittosporum Arborescens be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should I fertilize the Pittosporum Arborescens?
A: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.Q: Can the Pittosporum Arborescens tolerate drought?
A: No, the plant prefers moist soil and cannot tolerate drought.Q: How often should I water the Pittosporum Arborescens?
A: Water the plant regularly, but do not overwater it. The plant prefers moist soil, but not waterlogged soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to the Pittosporum Arborescens:
- Pittosporum tobira
- Pittosporum tenuifolium
- Pittosporum undulatum
- Pittosporum rhombifolium
References
- “Pittosporum arborescens.” Floridata. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://floridata.com/plant/330
- “Pittosporum arborescens.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a821
- “Pittosporum arborescens.” PlantNet. Accessed 13 September 2021. https://www.plantnet.org/publications/pit-arb.htm
