Pittosporum viridiflorum earns its common name, “Cheesewood,” from its soft, white timber. This hardy evergreen thrives in full sun or semi-shade and adapts to a wide range of altitudes, with its growth habit varying according to location.

The Cheesewood prefers well-drained soils and tolerates drought once established. Regular watering during extended dry periods, however, promotes stronger growth. In South Africa, it occurs from the Western Cape through the Eastern and Northern regions, showing remarkable ecological range.

In landscapes, Cheesewood usually grows as a small to medium-sized tree, but in forest habitats it can reach heights of up to 30 m. Young branches display smooth grey bark, while older branches develop distinctive crosswise seams.

Leaves are glossy, simple, and alternate, with prominent veins on the underside. Small, greenish-white flowers appear in summer, releasing a pleasant fragrance. Bright red seeds follow the blooms, each coated in a sticky resinous layer that aids dispersal.

The tree forms a dense, rounded to spreading crown that provides valuable shade. Gardeners can prune and shape it to suit different spaces. Its non-aggressive root system makes it suitable for gardens with limited space.

Cheesewood works well as a specimen tree, hedge, screen, or container plant. Glossy evergreen foliage offers year-round structure, while fragrant summer flowers and colourful seeds add seasonal interest.

Traditional medicine has long valued Cheesewood. People have used bark, leaves, and other parts to treat fungal infections. The leaves show antimicrobial properties, while the bark, with its bitter taste and resinous smell, has featured in remedies across different communities.