Pittosporum plant `Lauralee`

Abstract

A new and distinct variety of Pittosporum plant has many characteristics similar or like those of the `Wheelerii` variety but is distinguishable therefrom among other things by variegated leaf blade characteristics that provide a basic field on the adaxial side which is marked by spots and blotches that are absent from the field on the abaxial side and by a discontinuous border coloration that is mainly located along the margin of the distal half of the blade and on the abaxial side is a reverse replica of that at the adaxial side of the blade.

I claim: 
     
       1. The new and distinct variety of Pittosporum plant substantially as herein shown and described and which is principally distinguishable by a growth habit that combines the following characteristics: (a) Posture, compactness and branching characteristics that are comparable to those of the `Wheelerii` variety,   (b) A slightly slower growth rate than exibited by the `Wheelerii` variety and which results, during the first year of growth, in specimens that are evidently slightly smaller in sizes than specimens of comparable age of the `Wheelerii` variety,   (c) Mature leaf blades which are characteristically variegated and [1] on the adaxial side have a spotted and blotched basic field with a usually moderately narrow and discontinuous border which is mainly located along the margin of the distal half of the leaf blade, and [2] on the abaxial side have a basic field with a notable absence of the spots and blotches found on the adaxial side, but which has a border that is a reverse replica of that at the adaxial side of the blade,   (d) The leaf blades contemplated in item (c) having on the adaxial side [1] a basic field that, in color, is dominated by yellow green, yellowish green and/or green hues, [2] spots and blotches which are generally darker than the basic field on the adaxial side and, in color, are dominated by olive green and/or yellowish green hues, and [3] a border which is generally lighter than the basic field on the adaxial side and, in color, is dominated by yellow green and/or greenish yellow hues,   (e) The leaf blades contemplated in item (c) having on the abaxial aide [1] a basic field that, in color, is dominated by yellowish green and/or yellow green hues, and [2] a border that is generally lighter than the basic field on the abaxial side and, in color, is dominated by yellow green and/or greenish yellow hues,   (f) Consistent reproduction of the variegated leaf blade characteristics in substantially all mature leaves of asexually reproduced specimens of the new variety.