Pittosporum tobira
Japanese pittosporum, mock orange, Mock Orange
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Family: Pittosporaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Pittosporum tobira (Japanese pittosporum) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Pittosporaceae family, recognized by leaf shape, size, and margin characteristics.
Japanese pittosporum is a naturalized shrub found in southern California coastal areas in disturbed landscapes at elevations below 200 meters. Flowering from November to May, this plant produces fragrant white flowers 10 to 12 millimeters long in terminal umbel-like clusters. Growing as a small tree or shrub up to 8 meters tall with hairy young twigs, it develops a dense, compact form. Its leathery obovate leaves are 3 to 14 centimeters long with margins turned under, presenting a smooth, glossy dark green appearance. The fruit is an ovoid capsule 10 to 18 millimeters long, densely hairy and splitting into three valves, revealing dark red seeds.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key features are leaf shape, size, and margin characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Disturbed areas
Elevation: < 200 m
Outside California: native to eastern Asia
Bloom period
Pittosporum tobira blooms Nov-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Heptapleurum: Pittosporum has simple leaves; Heptapleurum has compound leaves with leaflets radiating like fingers.; vs Eriobotrya: Pittosporum has smooth leaf edges; Eriobotrya has toothed leaves and fuzzy undersides.; vs Quercus: Pittosporum has smooth leathery leaves; Quercus has lobed or toothed leaves and acorns.; vs Philadelphus: Pittosporum has leathery evergreen leaves; Philadelphus has deciduous leaves and showy 4-petaled flowers.; vs Coprosma: Pittosporum has flowers with visible petals; Coprosma has tiny inconspicuous flowers and colorful berries.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pittosporum tobira native to California?
No. Pittosporum tobira is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Pittosporum tobira bloom?
Pittosporum tobira blooms Nov-May.
What plant family does Pittosporum tobira belong to?
Pittosporum tobira is in the Pittosporaceae family, genus Pittosporum.
What habitat does Pittosporum tobira grow in?
Pittosporum tobira grows in Disturbed areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.