Showing posts with label Pittosporum. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pittosporum. Show all posts

Aug 3, 2008

14. White Holly


Pittosporum rhombifolium, [Pittosporum = refers to the sticky covering on seeds, rhombifolium = diamond shaped leaves] now Auranticarpa rhombifolia Also known as Hollywood or Diamond-leaf Pittosporum
A tall dark green tree with toothed diamond shaped leaves. Small white flowers in clusters are followed by orange berries which open to expose a red interior with black seeds. These seeds are popular with birds, which assist in spreading them.
Family PITTOSPORACEAE
see Hollywood; Golden Hollywood

21. Weeping Pittosporum, Cattle Bush


Pittosporum angustifolium formerly P. phylliraioides [Pittosporum = refers to sticky seed covering, angustifolium = narrow leaved, phylliraeoides = leaf-like]. Also known as Meemeei.
A slender tree with long narrow leaves, and weeping habit. The pale yellow scented flowers produce orange apricot shaped berries. The pods open to reveal red seeds. The tree is good stock fodder. Aborigines used gum which oozed from the injured trunk or branches, ground the seeds and ate them although they are very bitter; and treated internal pains and cramps with an infusion of the leaves, seed or wood. Birds eat the seeds and spread them and they readily come up in the garden.
Family PITTOSPORACEAE.

see meemeei, June 2008, Gumby Gumby