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Description
Pittosporum Tobira Nanum, commonly known as the dwarf Japanese Pittosporum, is a small evergreen shrub that belongs to the Pittosporaceae family. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world due to its attractive appearance and sweet fragrance. The plant grows up to 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide, with glossy dark green leaves and clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom in spring and summer. The flowers are followed by small orange-brown fruits that are not edible.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Pittosporaceae |
| Genus | Pittosporum |
Appearance
The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum has a dense, rounded growth habit with a compact form. Its glossy, leathery leaves are oval-shaped and grow up to 2 inches long. The leaves are dark green on the upper surface and lighter green on the underside. The plant produces clusters of small, fragrant white flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The flowers are followed by small, orange-brown fruits that are not edible. The plant is slow-growing and can take up to 10 years to reach its full size.
Care Guide
The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in a variety of growing conditions. Here are some care tips to help you keep your plant healthy:- Water: Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH.- Sunlight: The plant does best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by the following:- Spider mites: These pests can cause damage to the leaves and flowers.- Scale insects: These pests can cause yellowing of the leaves and can be difficult to control.- Root rot: This fungal disease can be caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil.
Habitat
The Pittosporum Tobira Nanum is native to Japan, Korea, and China and is commonly found in coastal areas and lowland forests. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate salt spray, making it a popular choice for coastal gardens.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Pittosporum Tobira Nanum be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as it has well-draining soil and receives adequate sunlight.
Q: Does the plant attract bees and butterflies?
A: Yes, the fragrant flowers of the plant attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators.
Q: How often should I prune the Pittosporum Tobira Nanum?
A: Prune the plant after flowering to maintain its shape and size. You can also remove any damaged or dead branches throughout the year.
Q: Is the plant toxic to pets?
A: The plant is not toxic to pets, but the fruits can be a choking hazard if ingested.
Related Plants
– Pittosporum Tobira- Pittosporum Tenuifolium- Pittosporum Undulatum- Pittosporum Crassifolium- Pittosporum Eugenioides
References
– “Pittosporum Tobira Nanum.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278308&isprofile=1.- “Pittosporum Tobira Nanum.” Plant Care Today, 24 Apr. 2021, plantcaretoday.com/pittosporum-tobira-nanum.- “Pittosporum Tobira Nanum.” The Spruce, 22 Apr. 2021, www.thespruce.com/pittosporum-tobira-nanum-3269287.
