Pittosporum species: Pittosporum
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Updated:
MAR 25, 2010
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Family
Pittosporaceae
Common Names
Pittosporum, Japanese mock orange, lemonwood, Victorian box.
Plant Description
Consisting of some 200 species of evergreen shrubs or small trees from the tropical and subtropical regions on Australia, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands, Pittosporum species are widely grown in tropical and subtropical areas of North America. The leaves are simple, alternate and arranged at the ends of branches. Some species have variegated leaves. The fragrant flowers are produced terminally or in leaf axils, as panicles or clusters, with white, yellow, pink, or red petals. Fruits consist of a woody capsule containing sticky seeds (Fig. 317).
Figure 317. Pittosporum tobira "variegatum".
Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action
The leaves and fruits contain saponins that when ingested cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Risk Assessment
Since Pittosporum species and their cultivars are commonly grown as garden or houseplants, the fruits and leaves are a potential hazard to dogs and cats that may chew on them.
Clinical Signs
Excessive salivation, abdominal pain, and vomiting can be anticipated with Pittopsorum poisoning.
References
1. Burrows GE, Tyrl RJ. Toxic Plants of North America. Iowa State University Press, Ames pp 1238, 2001. - Available from amazon.com -
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How to reference this publication (Harvard system)?
(2008) “Pittosporum species: Pittosporum”, Guide to Poisonous House and Garden Plants. Available at: https://www.ivis.org/library/guide-to-poisonous-house-and-garden-plants/pittosporum-species-pittosporum (Accessed: 03 October 2023).
Affiliation of the authors at the time of publication
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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ISBN-10
1591610281
ISBN-13
978-1591610281
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