Berrigan

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Berrigan
• Bitter Bush
• Cattle Bush
• Cheesewood
• Native Apricot
• Native Willow
• Western Pittosporum
• poisonberry
• poisonberry-tree
• weeping pittosporum
• Gumbi gumbi

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Pittosporum phillyreoides var. microcarpa

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and order Apiales, it is further classified under the family Pittosporaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic designation falls within the genus Pittosporum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread presence across several different regions within the Australian continent. Its distribution can be found extending through the eastern states of New South Wales and Queensland. Additionally, it inhabits significant portions of Victoria and South Australia. Moving further north, the species is also documented within the Northern Territory. Collectively, these areas highlight the diverse geographical range this medicinal plant maintains throughout Australia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Pittosporum angustifolium is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment through multiple growing seasons. As a long-lived woody plant, it does not follow the rapid turnover of annuals or the shorter lifespan of biennials, instead establishing a stable presence within its native ecosystem. Its developmental trajectory involves an initial establishment phase followed by continuous growth and periodic reproductive cycles, where it allocates resources toward maintaining robust structural integrity and foliage over many years. This perennial nature enables the plant to adapt to seasonal fluctuations and contribute to the long-term stability of its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Pittosporum angustifolium is characterized by a woody growth form that can manifest as both a shrub and a tree. As a terrestrial and independent plant, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, instead maintaining a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber. The plant exhibits significant variation in stature, with a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 10 meters, maintaining an average plant height of approximately 10 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological structure of Pittosporum angustifolium is characterized by its distinctively linear and elongated foliage, which plays a critical role in its photosynthetic efficiency and transpiration regulation. The leaves exhibit a significant morphological range, with lengths spanning from a minimum of 4 cm to a maximum of 12 cm. Complementing this longitudinal growth, the leaf width is relatively narrow, ranging from a minimum of 0.4 cm to a maximum of 1.2 cm. This slender leaf architecture is a key physiological adaptation, likely functioning to minimize surface area exposure to intense solar radiation while optimizing gas exchange through a streamlined profile. Such dimensions contribute to the plant's overall metabolic processes and its ability to manage water loss in varying environmental conditions.

Leaf length max:

12 cm

Leaf length min:

4 cm

Leaf width max:

1.2 cm

Leaf width min:

0.4 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Pittosporum angustifolium is characterized by the production of fruit classified as a capsule. These fruits are dehiscence-type, meaning they are designed to split open at maturity to facilitate seed dispersal. The seeds produced within these capsules exhibit specific morphological weight characteristics, with a recorded minimum seed mass of 0.01138 g and a maximum seed mass of 0.01839 g. On average, the seed mass for this species is approximately 0.014885 g, ensuring a consistent reproductive output suitable for its ecological niche.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Fruit type :

capsule

Seed mass max:

0.01839 g

Seed mass mean:

0.014885 g

Seed mass min:

0.01138 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Pittosporum angustifolium has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Acetic Acid Decyl Ester, Flavonoids, Saponins, Terpenoids.

Acetic Acid Decyl Ester

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Scientifica

Saponins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Terpenoids

1. Scientifica

Activities

Pittosporum angustifolium has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Lactagogue.

Antimicrobial

1. Journal of integrative medicine

Lactagogue

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Pittosporum angustifolium has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Proteus mirabilis, autoimmune diseases, coughs, cramps, eczema.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations