We have an old pittosporum that is "espaliered" against the fence line in the side yard, and provides wonderful dappled shade for our two offices. The small tree is trimmed to provide a tunnel of shade through the side yard.
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| Pittosporum undulatum |
Pittosporum undulatum is a perennial shrub or small tree in the Pittosporaceae family that is native to the moist coast of Eastern Australia. The plant has become invasive in parts of Australia, and in other parts of the world where it has been introduced. It has become naturalized in California which causes some concern. Its leaves are oblong with wavy margins. The inflorescence is an umbel-like cluster and terminal. The flower petals are small and white. The fruit is a round orange seed, with dried seeds from the previous year remaining on the tree for several seasons.
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| Bird finds shelter in the dense summer leaves |
Even though the plant is not native, I'm surprised at all the birds and bees it attracts. The dense leaves in summer provide shade, food, and safety for dozens of birds (see Enjoying the Birds). This is the same tree that hosts the insect traps of a Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker every January (see the Field Report).
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| Sap traps left behind by a Yellow-bellied Sap Sucker |
From November to June, the heady fragrance of the flowers attracts bees, flies, birds, and even hummingbirds.
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| A pollinator is drawn to the sweet scented flowers in spring |
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| Office view |
My husband and I enjoy the buzz, hum, and chirp of activity outside our side-by-side offices.
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