Overview
Pittosporum commutatum Putt., also known as yellow-flowered Pittosporum, is a species of plant in the Pittosporaceae family. It is native to New Zealand but can also be found in Australia.
Common Names
Aside from yellow-flowered Pittosporum, this plant is also commonly known as corner bush, yellow Pittosporum, and yellow tawhiwhi.
Uses
The Pittosporum commutatum Putt. plant has various uses ranging from ornamental purposes to medicinal uses. Ornamentally, it is popular among gardeners and landscapers due to its attractive yellow flowers. In New Zealand, it is used as a traditional remedy for a cough, stomach pains, and rheumatism among others.
General Appearance
The Pittosporum commutatum Putt. plant is a shrub that grows between 2 and 5 meters in height and width. It has glossy, leathery leaves that are oval-shaped and typically measure 5 to 8 cm in length. The flowers of this plant are bright yellow, and they bloom most profusely in the spring and early summer months.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. As an understory plant, it does well when protected from direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day. A location with dappled sunlight or around 4 hours of direct sun is ideal. If grown in full shade, it can become leggy and weak.
Temperature Requirements
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. grows best in warmer temperatures and is sensitive to cold. The ideal temperature range for Pittosporum commutatum Putt. is between 60°F to 80°F. Anything below 50°F can be extremely harmful and may lead to damage or death of the plant. It is necessary to protect the plant from frost or freezing temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. prefers moist, well-drained soil. The ideal is a rich, loamy soil that drains well, with a pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. If the soil is too alkaline, they may show signs of iron deficiency. Heavy mineral or clay soils should be amended with sand or compost to improve drainage. Pittosporum commutatum Putt. is sensitive to soil salinity, so it is important to avoid highly salted soils.
Cultivation methods for Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Pittosporum commutatum Putt., commonly known as Karo, is a flowering plant native to New Zealand and can grow up to 4m in height. The plant can be propagated from both seeds and vegetative methods. It requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Plant it in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. The plant prefers a warm climate and doesn't tolerate frost.
Watering needs for Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Karo prefers moderate watering. Ensure the soil is not waterlogged as this can cause root rot. Water the plant deeply, ensuring the soil is moist throughout the growing season. Reduce watering during the winter season to avoid waterlogging. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to touch.
Fertilization for Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Feed Karo in the early spring when the plant breaks dormancy. Apply slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Avoid over-fertilizing the plant as this can lead to nutrient toxicity. Use a balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10.
Pruning for Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Karo requires pruning to maintain its shape and size and improve flowering. Prune the plant in the late winter or early spring before its growing season. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Cut back any unwanted growth that spoils the plant's shape. Shape the plant by trimming its branches and encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. can be propagated using several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by seeds:
Seeds of Pittosporum commutatum Putt. can be collected from mature fruits that appear in clusters on the plant. The seeds should be harvested when they are fully ripe and the fruit has begun to split open. The seeds can then be planted in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist until they germinate. Alternatively, the seeds can be sown directly in the garden bed where the plant is to be grown.
Propagation by cuttings:
Softwood cuttings taken from the current season's growth are best for Pittosporum commutatum Putt. The cuttings should be taken from healthy plants and should be about 10 to 15 centimeters long, with a few leaves attached. Remove any flowers or flower buds from the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. Water the cutting and keep it moist until it establishes roots. Once established, the cutting can be transplanted into the garden bed.
Propagation by layering:
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. can also be propagated by layering. To do this, select a low-hanging branch of the plant and bend it down to the ground. Make a small cut on the underside of the branch where it touches the ground and cover the cut with soil. After a few weeks, new roots will form from the cut and the branch can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into the garden bed.
Disease and Pest Management for Pittosporum commutatum Putt.
Pittosporum commutatum Putt. is a versatile and resilient plant that thrives in various soil and climatic conditions but can be prone to pests and diseases. Proper disease and pest management are essential to maintain the health and aesthetics of this shrub.
Common Diseases
Fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spots, and root rot can affect Pittosporum commutatum Putt. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery coating on leaves and stems, while leaf spots appear as small circular patches on the foliage. Root rot, on the other hand, can cause yellowing and wilting of leaves and stunted growth.
Disease Management
The best way to manage fungal diseases in Pittosporum commutatum Putt. is to maintain a clean and dry growing environment. Remove and destroy any infected plant parts, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Applying fungicides may also be necessary to control severe infections.
Common Pests
Pests such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites can infest Pittosporum commutatum Putt. Scale insects and mealybugs appear as small bumps or cotton-like masses on leaves, while spider mites tend to cluster on the undersides of leaves.
Pest Management
Controlling infestations of pest in Pittosporum commutatum Putt. starts with regular monitoring and inspection of plants. Mealybugs and scale insects can be removed manually or managed with insecticidal soaps and oils. Spider mites can be managed by increasing humidity levels around the plant and applying miticides if necessary.
Overall, proper disease and pest management practices can help keep Pittosporum commutatum Putt. healthy and attractive, ensuring its longevity and visual appeal in the garden or landscape.
