Ho`awa   Pittosporum sp

Family:  Pittosporaceae

Description:  Ho`awa is an attractive small tree up to 25 feet with evergreen foliage and a rounded form.  Relatively slow growing, this tree serves well as a specimen planting or small shade tree. Tolerates full sun with medium water requirements.  There are many species native to Hawaii with a species, P. hosmeri, from the Big Island growing the fastest and largest.  Small white flowers are fragrant in the evening and walnut shaped fruit open to expose a bright orange flesh with sticky black seeds.  Most ho`awa are grown from seed, though cuttings will root.  The tree will grow out of any pest problems and tolerates a wide range of soils.

(walnut shaped fruit after opening)

(Pittosporum glabrum, about 7 years old)

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