Image courtesy of Heather Miles.
Pittosporum angustifolia Lodd. Family: Pittosporaceae
Pittosporum – from the Greek meaning pitch seed, referring to the sticky seeds.
angustifolium – from the Latin meaning narrow leaf.
Common names: Weeping Pittosporum, gumby gumby.
Overview
P. angustifolium is a small tree with widespread distribution, mainly inland from the Great Dividing Range. It is a highly regarded medicinal plant among First Nation communities, noted for its’ anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer actions.
The leaves are rich in flavonoids, triterpenoid saponins and essential oils. The tree is suitable for planting in drier locations, it attracts both birds and bees, while the leaves are suitable as cattle fodder.
Description
Gumby gumby is a small tree to a height of 8m, bearing long narrow leaves with a weeping habit. Leaves are alternately arranged, glabrous, with entire margins and pointed ends.
Fragrant yellow flowers grow in the leaf axils, either solitary or in small clusters. The fruit is a dehiscent smooth capsule up to 18mm in length, which opens in to two valves bearing bright red- or orange-coloured seeds upon ripening.
Indigenous Plants for Health, Inc. 