Pittosporum pentandrum
The fragrant pittosporum is a common evergreen small tree or shrub found in low-altitude or coastal forests in southern Taiwan and Orchid Island.
From late spring to early autumn is the flowering season for the fragrant pittosporum. The densely blooming white flowers, though small in size, emit a rich fragrance. From October to February of the following year is the fruiting period. When mature, the branches are adorned with plump, orange-yellow fruits. The abundant fruit yield creates a striking contrast against the green foliage, resembling countless golden jewels scattered across a green canvas, offering exceptional ornamental value. These fruits are not only visually appealing but also attract birds seeking food.
The fragrant pittosporum is native to coastal forests and possesses excellent salt tolerance, wind resistance, and drought tolerance, making it an excellent tree species for coastal windbreaks. Its dense foliage also effectively prevents soil erosion and protects the coastal environment. In addition, its elegant shape, evergreen foliage, and fragrant flowers and beautiful fruits make it an ideal choice for garden landscaping and landscape design.
In addition to Taiwan, the fragrant pittosporum is also distributed in the Philippines and the northern part of Sulawesi Island in Indonesia, as well as in southern China, Hainan Island, and Vietnam. It is commonly found in coastal areas, coastal shrublands, hillsides, secondary forests, and disturbed forest regions. Due to its high ornamental value, it has been introduced to tropical regions such as Florida and the Hawaiian Islands in the United States for cultivation. In recent years, there have been records of it naturalizing and spreading locally. The plant is cultivated in the Coral Atoll Area of the Botanical Garden and is one of the representative plants of the coastal forests of the Hengchun Peninsula.