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Australian Cheesewood

Pittosporum undulatum

iNaturalist Wikipedia

Famed for its sweet, jasmine-like scent and vibrant orange berries, the Australian Cheesewood is a magnet for backyard birds and nocturnal pollinators alike.

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Quick Identification

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Size

A medium-sized tree reaching 10–15 metres (33–50 feet) in height with a canopy spread of 5–8 metres (16–26 feet).

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Colors

Dark glossy green foliage; creamy white to pale yellow flowers; bright orange-yellow woody seed capsules.

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Key Features

Distinctly wavy or 'undulated' leaf margins
Intensely fragrant bell-shaped flowers in clusters
Spherical orange fruit capsules about 1cm wide
Smooth, pale grey bark that becomes slightly roughened with age

When You’ll See Them

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Activity pattern Active day and night

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Peak hours Fragrance peaks between 6 PM and 10 PM; bird activity peaks at dawn.

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Season Flowering in Spring (Sept-Nov); Berries in Autumn (March-June)

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Diet As a primary producer, it creates its own energy through photosynthesis, requiring well-drained soil and moderate rainfall to thrive.

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Habitat Commonly found in coastal rainforests, suburban gardens, gullies, and moist forest edges.

Behavior

The Australian Cheesewood is a highly adaptable and opportunistic grower. While it is a valued shade tree in many gardens, its fast growth rate and dense canopy allow it to quickly dominate the mid-storey of a forest, often shading out smaller native plants. It is particularly known for its intense fragrance, which is most potent during the spring evenings when its flowers are in full bloom.

This species has a clever strategy for reproduction. It produces small, sticky seeds inside bright orange capsules that are irresistible to birds. Once the fruit splits open, the seeds are eaten and transported far and wide. Because it is so resilient to different soil types and light levels, it has become a successful 'colonizer' in suburban environments and disturbed bushland, often popping up along fence lines where birds have perched.

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Camera Tips

When monitoring an Australian Cheesewood, your primary goal is to capture the diverse birdlife it attracts. During the autumn months, position your camera at a slight downward angle toward a cluster of ripe, orange seed capsules. Many birds, such as Currawongs, Silvereyes, and Satin Bowerbirds, will visit frequently to feed on the sticky seeds. To get the best shots, use a high-speed trigger setting, as these birds are often fast and flighty when foraging.

Because the tree's flowers are famously fragrant at night, it also attracts a variety of nocturnal pollinators. If your AI camera has infrared night vision, try mounting it near flower clusters in late spring. You might capture interesting footage of moths or even nectar-feeding possums that are drawn to the scent. Ensure the camera is secured tightly to a sturdy branch, as the tree's dense foliage can catch the wind and cause 'false triggers' if the camera moves.

For those interested in the tree's life cycle, a time-lapse setting is ideal. Set your camera to take a photo once a day from the same position to watch the transition from the white, star-like flowers to the bright orange berries. This provides a fascinating look at the seasonal rhythms of backyard flora. If the tree is in a shaded gully, consider adjusting your exposure settings upward to compensate for the deep shade created by the tree's own thick canopy.

Similar Species

Species that look similar or are commonly confused with Australian Cheesewood.

Lemonwood

Lemonwood has paler, yellowish-green leaves that smell strongly of lemon when crushed, and smaller, less showy fruit.

Karo

Karo has thick, leathery leaves with fuzzy undersides and deep red or purple flowers instead of white ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The flowers are most fragrant in the late evening and at night, specifically between 6 PM and 10 PM, to attract nocturnal pollinators like moths.

The tree naturally attracts birds when it produces its orange berries in autumn. Ensure your camera is pointed at the fruit clusters where birds like Silvereyes and Currawongs feed.

They provide dense nesting habitat for small birds, nectar for bees and moths, and energy-rich seeds for various avian species.

Yes, they are very common in suburban gardens across eastern Australia and California due to their fast growth and bird-mediated seed dispersal.

Look for the 'undulated' or wavy edges of the leaves; other species like the Lemonwood have flatter leaves or different flower colors.

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