Family: Pittosporaceae
Author: Sims
Bibliography: Bot. Mag. 41: t. 1684 (1814)
Year: 1814
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pittosporum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Madagascar, SW. Arabian Pen.
Description
Cape Pittosporum (Pittosporum viridiflorum)
The Cape pittosporum, scientifically known as Pittosporum viridiflorum, is an extraordinary plant from the Pittosporaceae family. This remarkable species was first described by Sims in a detailed botanical illustration published in the “Botanical Magazine” in 1814.
Thriving in the diverse regions of Tropical and Southern Africa, as well as Madagascar and the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, Pittosporum viridiflorum is well-adapted to various climates and environments. The plant’s robust nature allows it to flourish across these geographical areas, contributing significantly to the local biodiversity.
Cape pittosporum is recognized not only for its ecological importance but also for its distinctive aesthetic appeal. The plant typically features glossy, dark green leaves which provide an attractive backdrop to its delicate, fragrant flowers. The flowers of Pittosporum viridiflorum exude a pleasant aroma that enhances its ornamental value, making it a popular choice for both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.
Its versatility and resilience have also seen the Cape pittosporum being used in traditional medicine across different cultures within its native range. The plant is known to hold various properties that are beneficial in treating a myriad of ailments, though it is always advisable to consult with knowledgeable sources before any application for health purposes.
In summary, Cape pittosporum (Pittosporum viridiflorum) is a plant of notable beauty and significance, seamlessly blending into the tapestry of the regions it inhabits. Whether appreciated for its horticultural attributes or its role in regional ecosystems, this plant remains a cherished specimen within the world of botany.
Common Names
Eng: cape cheesewood, cape pittosporum
Deu: kap-klebsame
En: Cape pittosporum, Cheesewood, Iyoyi, Cape cheesewood
Af: Kasuur
De: Kap-Klebsame
Sn: Mubanda, Muchemedzambuya, Mugarambinga, Mukwenukwenu, Murambatsvina, Murunganyama
Synonyms
- Pittosporum antunesii (Engl.)
- Pittosporum arbutifolium (DC.)
- Pittosporum commutatum (Putt.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. kruegeri ((Engl.) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. afrorientale (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. angolense ((Oliv.) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum abyssinicum var. angolense (Oliv.)
- Pittosporum malosanum (Baker)
- Pittosporum mannii (Hook.f.)
- Pittosporum vosseleri (Engl.)
- Pittosporum lynesii (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. somalense (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum dalzielii (Hutch.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. dalzielii ((Hutch.) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum ripicola (J.Léonard)
- Pittosporum quartinianum (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum capense (DC.)
- Pittosporum mannii subsp. ripicola ((J.Léonard) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum spathicalyx (De Wild.)
- Pittosporum sinense (Desf.)
- Pittosporum rhodesicum (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum ustulatum (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum ripicola subsp. katangense (Leonard)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. arabicum (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum kruegeri (Engl.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. quartinianum ((Cufod.) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum kapiriense (Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum var. kruegeri ((Engl.) Engl.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum var. commutatum ((Putt.) Moeser ex Engl.)
- Pittosporum feddeanum (Pax)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum var. malosanum ((Baker) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. malosanum ((Baker) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. feddeanum ((Pax) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum var. afrorientale ((Cufod.) Cufod.)
- Pittosporum viridiflorum subsp. meianthum (Cufod.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Djibouti (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Free State (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Lesotho (native)
- Madagascar (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Socotra (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Ascension (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- St.Helena (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Leaf
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Mar 21, 2021 by Iain Douglas-Hamilton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 20, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Habit
Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Fruit
Taken Jun 7, 2022 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2022 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 19, 2022 by David Grewar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2986302)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:684745-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pittosporum viridiflorum Sims)
Specifications
Growth form>: Multiple Stem
Growth habit>: Tree
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 5.5