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(Pittosporum eugenioides)
Lemonwood (Pittosporum eugenioides)
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John Barkla
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
John Barkla
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Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: John Barkla | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: John Barkla | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-10-02T12:57:35-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Pittosporum eugenioides, commonly known as Lemonwood or Tarata, is an evergreen tree endemic to New Zealand, where it thrives in lowland forests and along forest margins. It can grow up to 12 meters (39 feet) tall and 5 meters (16 feet) wide, with a conical shape in its youth that becomes more rounded with age. The leaves are a distinctive yellow-green with wavy margins and a prominent bright midrib, releasing a lemony scent when crushed. In spring, it produces clusters of highly fragrant yellow-cream flowers, which are succeeded by black seed capsules that are quite ornamental.
Lemonwood is valued for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for hedging, screening, and as a windbreak in gardens. It provides a lush green backdrop and textural interest with its clustered leaves. Lemonwood is also known for its minimal leaf drop, making it suitable for poolside planting. It prefers sunny to part-shade conditions and is tolerant of windy sites. While somewhat drought-resistant, it benefits from regular watering during the summer and appreciates fertilization twice a year during the growing seasons. Pruning is well-tolerated and can help maintain its shape and promote dense growth. However, excessive moisture can render the seeds unviable. It is important to note that while Lemonwood is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Lemonwood is valued for its fragrant flowers and attractive foliage, making it a popular choice for hedging, screening, and as a windbreak in gardens. It provides a lush green backdrop and textural interest with its clustered leaves. Lemonwood is also known for its minimal leaf drop, making it suitable for poolside planting. It prefers sunny to part-shade conditions and is tolerant of windy sites. While somewhat drought-resistant, it benefits from regular watering during the summer and appreciates fertilization twice a year during the growing seasons. Pruning is well-tolerated and can help maintain its shape and promote dense growth. However, excessive moisture can render the seeds unviable. It is important to note that while Lemonwood is generally easy to maintain, it can be susceptible to scale insects and sooty mold.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 10-40 feet
- Width: 6-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Yellow, Cream
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Endemic to New Zealand’s lowland forests and forest margins
Other Names
Common Names: Tarata, Tarata Lemonwood, White Mapau, Zitronen-Klebsame, Citronglansbuske
Scientific Names: , Pittosporum eugenioides, Pittosporum microcarpum, Pittosporum elegans, Pittosporum enkianthoides, Pittosporum umbellatum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Pittosporum eugenioides A.Cunn.