Origin
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff is a species of plant in the family Pittosporaceae, native to North America.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as sticky pittosporum or gumbo-limbo in English, and is also known as "atzin" or "izote" in Mexico.
Uses
The sticky pittosporum has multiple uses. The bark has been used to make ropes and baskets, while the sap has been used as a resin for varnishing and as a glue. The leaves have been used for medicinal purposes, such as treating ear infections, and the fruits have been used as a natural insecticide. Additionally, the plant is sometimes used for ornamental landscaping.
General Appearance
The sticky pittosporum is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It has a distinctive, smooth, reddish bark that peels in thin sheets, and a dense canopy of glossy green leaves that have a leathery texture. The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that are cream-colored or pale yellow, followed by small, spherical fruits that contain sticky seeds. The sticky pittosporum is drought-tolerant and can grow in a variety of soil types, making it adaptable to different environments.
Light Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum requires full sunlight to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate shade, but it may affect its form and density. In low light conditions, the plant tends to become leggy with fewer leaves. On the other hand, excessive sunlight can scorch the plant and cause leaf drop. Therefore, it is best to provide filtered light or partial shade for the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows best in a moderate temperature range of 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F). However, it can also tolerate lower temperatures of up to 5°C (41°F) and higher temperatures of up to 40°C (104°F) for short periods. The plant does not tolerate frost, and it is best to protect it from extreme cold by providing cover or bringing it indoors.
Soil Requirements
Pittosporum glabrum requires well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It thrives in soils that are slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil textures, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be well-draining and fertile to avoid waterlogging and nutrient deficiency. It is beneficial to add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or aged manure to improve soil fertility and structure.
Cultivation Methods
The Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff is a hardy plant that grows best in well-draining, sandy soil rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Before planting, ensure that the soil is free from weeds, rocks, and other debris. Dig a hole twice as big as the root ball and add some compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. Plant the Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff at the same depth as it was in its previous pot and firm the soil around the plant.
Watering Needs
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once every week during the growing season (spring and summer) and water it sparingly during the dormant season (fall and winter). Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff responds well to moderate fertilization. Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. You can also add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season.
Pruning
Pruning Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff can help to keep it in shape and promote bushy growth. Prune the plant in late winter or early spring before the new growth starts. Use sharp and clean pruning tools to avoid damaging the plant. Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches, and cut back any overgrown branches to promote new growth. You can also pinch the stems to encourage bushy growth.
Propagation of Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff, commonly known as the spoonleaf pittosporum, is a shrub native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is an evergreen plant that can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide.
Propagation of spoonleaf pittosporum can be done through various methods such as seed propagation, cuttings, and layering:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method of propagating spoonleaf pittosporum. The seeds are usually collected from mature pods that turn brown in color. The pods should be collected when they are fully matured, and the seeds extracted and cleaned. The seeds are then dried and stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted. The seeds can be sown in soil or in a seed tray with the seedlings transplanted later to the final location. The ideal time to plant the seeds is in the spring, after the last frost.
Cuttings
Cuttings is another popular method of propagating spoonleaf pittosporum. The cuttings should be taken from the softwood of the plant during spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and should have at least 2-3 nodes. Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone. The cuttings should then be planted in a potting mix or rooting medium and kept moist until roots develop. Once roots have developed, the plants can be moved to the final location.
Layering
Layering is another method of propagation, where a branch of the plant is buried in the soil while still attached to the parent plant. A small trench is dug, and the branch is bent down and secured with a stake. Soil is then added over the branch, and it is watered. The branch will send out roots, and once there are enough roots, the branch can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease Management
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff is generally a hardy plant that is not highly susceptible to diseases, but there are a few issues that can arise.
Fungal Diseases: Powdery mildew, rust, and leaf spot are all common fungal diseases that can affect Pittosporum glabrum. Powdery mildew creates a white, powdery coating on the leaves, while rust creates orange or brown spots. Leaf spot creates small, dark spots on the leaves that eventually turn yellow and fall off. To manage these diseases, remove and dispose of infected plant material, improve air circulation around the plant, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to help control the spread of these diseases.
Bacterial Diseases: Leaf blight is a bacterial disease that can cause the leaves of Pittosporum glabrum to turn brown. Remove infected material and avoid overhead watering to manage this disease. Copper-based fungicides can also be effective in controlling bacterial diseases.
Pest Management
Pittosporum glabrum Hook. & Arn. var. spathulatum (Mann) Sherff can be affected by several common pests.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can be identified by their round, flat bodies and waxy coating. They often appear as brown or white bumps on the branches and leaves of plants. To manage scale insects, remove and dispose of infected plant material, prune heavily infested areas, and apply horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps to help control their spread.
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant sap of Pittosporum glabrum. They can be recognized by their pear-shaped bodies and long legs. To manage an aphid infestation, spray the plant with a strong stream of water to dislodge the insects, or use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control their spread. Ladybugs, lacewings, and other natural predators can also help keep aphid populations in check.
Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white insects covered in a waxy coating that feed on the sap of plants. They often appear in clusters on the branches and leaves of Pittosporum glabrum. To manage a mealybug infestation, remove and dispose of infected plant material and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their spread.
Overall, monitoring your Pittosporum glabrum regularly for signs of disease or pest infestations and taking action promptly can help prevent serious damage to the plant and ensure its health and vigor.
