Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne


Photo: Immij		Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne Pittosporum undulatum Trees and Shrubs South Australia Region

	A native east Australian tree that grows 12 m high by 7 m wide. It has coarse grey bark and glossy green elliptical leaves. The small, white, highly fragrant flowers occur in spring and early summer. Flowers are followed by orange-tan berries in autumn, which can persist for several months. It is a hardy and adaptable plant which can withstand extended dry periods once established.

HOW IT SPREADS It has become very invasive in home gardens and bushland,colonising moist areas such as gullies and areas of disturbed soil. It grows rapidly and quickly competing with native vegetation. Its berries are attractive to birds and can be carried quite far from the parent plant. It has become an environmental weed in high rainfall areas of South Australia.

Although these are popular cut flowers, the use of this plant must be discouraged for the home garden. Its spread must be stopped.





Additional suggested alternatives: Sasanqua camellia (Camellia sasanqua), Japanese camellia (Camellia japonica)

Alternative Plants


Photo: © immij pty ltd		Blackwood Acacia melanoxylon Trees and Shrubs

	Indigenous to South Australia it is a long lived erect of spreading tree 5–30 m high. Thrives in a moist sheltered position. The small ball-shaped pale yellow flowers appear in winter through to spring followed by curving pods which split open to shed the seed. It is fast-growing, tolerates drought and can thrive in most soils.

Photo: John Zwar		Evergreen magnolia cultivars Magnolia grandiflora and cultivars Trees and Shrubs

	A lush, compact evergreen tree that develops an oval-shaped crown of large, leaves that are rich glossy dark green on the upper side and soft, velvety brown on the underside. The beautiful white, fragrant, saucer-shaped flowers are displayed from summer through to autumn but may also appear throughout the year. Grows in full sun to part shade preferring an enriched, well drained soil. Keep soil moist in summer and mulch well to cope with dry summer periods. The tree is frost hardy but likes protection from strong winds. A great feature tree or large screen in large gardens. A good choice for large tubs and responds well to pruning to maintain a dense habit. The cultivars 'Little Gem' and 'Teddy Bear' are more compact, suited to smaller gardens and hedging.

Photo: © immij pty ltd		Lilly Pilly Acmena smithii minor Trees and Shrubs

	A dense-foliaged, medium tree that grows 8–10 m high by 6 m wide. The leaves are glossy green. Flowers are creamy-white in spring–summer followed by fleshy fruits, white to purple in colour. This is an extremely hardy plant that will grow in full-sun to partial shade. It is most often used for hedging and topiary where it can be trimmed to shape. New growth is glossy bronze-red in colour, maturing to mid-green. Generally considered to be resistant to Lilly Pilly Psyllid.

Photo: © immij pty ltd		White Cloud Tree Melaleuca bracteata Trees and Shrubs

	An Australian native tree to 9 m with fine scented foliage and profuse white flowers appearing in spring–summer. This species tolerates waterlogged soils and moderate frosts.