PITTOSPORACEAE

n/a

Shrub or small tree; generally 4-5 m high, but can grow to 10 m. Virtually hairless, drooping branches, and whitish or mottled trunk. Narrow leaves (4-12 cm long), characteristic orange fruit. Yellow to cream, fragrant flowers, winter-spring. Slow-growing but long-lived.

Woodland, mallee, and sandy soils in arid zones. Tolerates drought and frost, prefers full sun. Dislikes waterlogging. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect early Dec-late May. Propagate from fresh seed (±50 viable/ gram) or cuttings. Wash seeds with detergent and rub with sand to remove inhibitor before sowing. Germinates in 2-3 months. Regenerates readily by suckering.

Useful low-level windbreak cover, stabilises banks. Provides habitat, sticky seeds eaten by birds. Timber close-grained, hard, used for small articles like tool handles. First Nations used gum, seed flour, and infusions for various medicinal purposes. Decorative ornamental for parks and gardens, graceful weeping habit and orange fruit. Fair emergency fodder in drought.