Description
Common names
Butterbush, Weeping Pittosporum, Berrigan, Native Willow, Native Apricot, Western Pittosporum, Apricot Tree, Bitter Bush, Cattle Bush, Poison Berry Tree.
Scientific names
Pittosporum angustifolium, Pittosporum phyllireaoides.
Family
Pittosporaceae.
Genus
Pittosporum.
Name origin
From Greek pitte, to pitch, and sporos, seed, referring to seed covered by dark sticky substance in many Pittosporums.
Rainfall
300mm.
Growth rate
Slow.
Growth height
Up to 10m.
Presence in Australia
West of the Olympic Highway, usually in isolated clumps. Probably previously more common.
This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, SA, NT, WA.
Habitat
Woodland and mallee, and widespread on sandy soils in the arid zone.
Habit
Shrub or small tree to 10m high. Virtually hairless with drooping branches, whitish or mottled trunk, narrow leaves 4-12cm long and characteristic orange fruit.
Site preference
Tolerates drought and frost. Prefers full sun. Resents waterlogging.
Characteristics
Very hardy. Slow-growing but long-lived. Highly palatable to stock.
Flowering
Yellow to cream, winter-spring. Fragrant.
Seed collection
Early Dec to late May.
Propagation
From fresh seed (±50 viable seeds per gram) or cuttings. Remove germination inhibitor from sticky seed by washing seed in detergent and rubbing with dry sand for several minutes before sowing. Germinates in 2-3 months.
Regeneration
Suckers readily.
Shade and shelter
Useful low-level cover in windbreaks.
Land protection
Useful for stabilising banks.
Timber
Timber close-grained, light-coloured and very hard. Turned into small articles such as tool handles.
Wildlife
Good habitat. Sticky seeds eaten by birds.
Koori
Uses varied with location. Some clans ate gum from wounded branches. Others pounded seed into edible flour. An infusion was prepared from leaves, seed or wood to relieve internal pain and cramp, and treat colds, sprains, eczema and itching.
Ornamental
Very decorative ornamental for parks and gardens. Graceful weeping habit and attractive orange fruit.
Other
Cut for fair emergency fodder during drought.