pittosporum

[ pi-tos-per-uhm, pit-uh-spawr-uhm, -spohr- ]

noun

1. any of various shrubs or trees of the genus Pittosporum, native to warm regions of the Old World, many species of which are cultivated as ornamentals for their attractive foliage, flowers, or fruit.

pittosporum

/ pɪˈtɒspərəm /

noun

1. any of various trees and shrubs of the Pittosporum genus of Australasia, Asia, and Africa, having small fragrant flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of pittosporum¹

< New Latin, equivalent to Greek ( Attic ) pitto- (combining form of pítta, píssa pitch ² ) + spór ( os ) seed ( spore ) + New Latin -um neuter noun ending; so called from the resinous coating of the seeds

Word History and Origins

Origin of pittosporum¹

New Latin, from Greek pitta pitch (from the resinous coating of the seeds) + spora seed

Example Sentences

The musk-tree and the Pittosporum scent the air, and lovely twining plants help to form an impenetrable foliage.

From Project Gutenberg

The larva feeds on Pittosporum eugenioides, where it may be sometimes found in October and November.

From Project Gutenberg