Sweet Pittosporum

Description:

When natives go bad!! Also known known as native daphne, Australian cheesewood, Victorian box, or mock orange. Originally, Pittosporum undulatum grew in moist areas on the Australian east coast but has increased its range since European settlement. It is a fast grower, and has become a weed in other parts of Australia where it is not indigenous. It is also highly invasive in South Africa, the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Azores and southern Brazil. Even in Sydney, its native region, its status is contentious. P. undulatum has spread to soils and bushland where it wasn't found prior to European settlement, often out-competing other plants. It has done especially well in areas where the environment has been altered by humans.

Habitat:

Spotted on a trail in the Cumberland State Forest, in Sydney's northwest. It's currently lush, green, and well forested. Larger trees such as blackbutts and red gums overshadowed the entire area. Here's some park info: http://www.forestrycorporation.com.au/vi...