Hymenosporum flavum
hye-men-AHS-por-um FLAY -vum

Sweetshade
Pittosporaceae (pittosporum family)
Origin: Australia (New South Wales and Queensland)

Species characteristics:
Form - Evergreen. Erect slender tree with branches whorled around the trunk in tiers. Slow to moderate growth to 40' with a 15 - 20' spread.

Trunk - Smooth gray bark.

Foliage - Glossy dark green leaves are 2 - 6" long, 1 - 2" wide with finely pointed tips, crowded toward ends of branchlets.

Flowers/fruit - Loose, terminal clusters of tubular flowers are cream colored, deepening to a golden yellow with a red-marked throat. Blooms spring into summer and has the strong fragrance of orange blossom. Fruit is a 1" long stalked capsule with many winged seeds.

No significant pest problems are known at this time. .

Site suitability:
Sunset zones - 8, 9, and 14 - 24.

Clearances - Suitable for 3' minimum parkways, medians or cutouts.

Good for street sides, medians, and parks and group planting.

Culture considerations:
Should have good drainage and occasional deep watering. Transplant carefully; best established in warm weather. Branches spread out in almost equal threes. Protect from coastal winds. Best where spring is warm. Can tolerate light shade.

Comments, notes: Useful in downtown areas where narrow habit allows it to fit between signs.