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Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne

Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne
Photo: Delwyn Thomas
Invasive Plant
Sweet Pittosporum, Native Daphne
Pittosporum undulatum
 

A native eastern 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.
 

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

 
 
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Alternative Plants

Lemon Myrtle
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Lemon Myrtle
Backhousia citrodora
Trees and Shrubs
 

This medium-sized shrub or tree to 8 m high is well known for it's strong lemon-scented lush green leaves. With a lowbranching habit its juvenile foliage is a reddish colour and its new shoots and leaves are often hairy on the underside. The very attractive bell shaped white flowers with protruding white stamens are numerous and produced in long-stalked clusters. This attractive,easily maintained and highly recommended plant may also be used as a container plant for indoors.

Lilly Pilly
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant Lilly Pilly
Syzygium species and cultivars Acmena species and cultivars
Trees and Shrubs
 

The Australian native Lilly Pilly is popular for hedging and topiary. They are evergreen rainforest plants with glossy green leaves. Most cultivars flush with colourful new growth, ranging from brilliant pink to a redbrown. In spring to early summer most Lilly Pillys have fluffy white or greenish flowers followed by long lasting red, purple or white berries. There are many selected cultivars on the market. Ask your local garden centre for the best choice for your garden.

Native Frangipani
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Native Frangipani
Hymenosporum flavum
Trees and Shrubs
 

A fast-growing, evergreen tree to 9 m with glossy, rich green, oval leaves. In spring this Australian native plant bears terminal clusters of very fragrant, tubular, cream flowers that age to a golden yellow. Ideal for small and large gardens, parks and road sides. Flowers best when grown in the open, but will tolerate some shade. Protect young seedlings from frost. This tree will benefit from watering during extended dry periods.

 
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