Pittosporum bicolor
Pittosporum bicolor
Safety & Hazards
Although no mention has been found for this species, some members of this genus contain saponins. Saponins are found in many foods, such as some beans, and although they are fairly toxic to people they are poorly absorbed by the body and most pass straight through without any problem. They are also broken down if the food is thoroughly cooked for a long time. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[ K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].
Botanical Description
Pittosporum bicolor is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a narrow crown; it usually grows from 3 - 10 metres tall, though is usually much shorter at higher elevations and is occasionally epiphytic[ 1685 Title Revision of Pittosporum (Pittosporaceae) in Australia Publication Australian Systematic Botany 13, 845-902, 2000 Author Cayzer L.W.; Crisp M.D. & Telford I.R.H. Publisher Year 2000 ISBN Description A comprehensive review of the genus in Australia ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is often grown as an ornamental, where it makes a good hedge.