Tricolor variegated pittosporum plant

Abstract

A pittosporum plant which has a dwarf habit of growth and having leaf blades which are variegated, there being irregularly shaped areas of three different colors present on the variegated leaves, such being dark green, medium green and pale yellow. The variegated leaves do not have a uniform pattern of variegation, and the pattern of variegation differs from leaf to leaf.

I claim: 
     
       1. A new and distinct variety of pittosporum, substantially as herein shown and described, characterized particularly as to novelty by the unique combination of: A dwarf and compact habit of growth makes it especially suitable as a border plant, as a small hedge, in planter boxes and as a pot plant; a slow rate of growth which is advantageous in that frequent pruning is not necessary to maintain the shrub in a pleasing shape; an ability to be asexually reproduced; the ability to provide a shrub having three colors by reason of the variegated nature of all or substantially all of the broadleaf evergreen leaves occuring on the new variety, the variegation consisting of irregular shaped areas of dark green, medium green and pale yellow, with the dark green area of a leaf generally being in the central base area of the leaf, and the medium green and pale yellow areas generally forming an irregular margin area on each leaf, the pattern of variegation varying from leaf to leaf, and which leaves grow alternately in a whorl on the branches; and the ability to tolerate pruning in order that attractive shapes can be maintained.