Pittosporum smells sweet, floral and heady, with a character often compared with jasmine and orange blossom. It can feel creamy and luminous while also carrying a slightly green freshness. In perfume, Pittosporum adds a rich white-floral effect that works especially well with citrus and neroli-style compositions.
What Does Pittosporum Smell Like?
Pittosporum has a full floral smell with sweet jasmine-like and orange-blossom qualities. The flowers can feel bright and creamy at the same time, with a soft green edge that prevents the note from becoming overly sugary. Its character sits naturally alongside other white florals and citrus-floral notes.
Where Does Pittosporum Come From?
Pittosporum refers here to the fragrance of Pittosporum tobira, an evergreen shrub whose small flowers are strongly scented. Research has identified numerous volatile compounds in its flowers, although in finished perfumes the Pittosporum effect can also be recreated as a floral accord rather than relying on a direct flower extract.
How Pittosporum Is Usually Described
Sweet
Floral
Heady
Jasmine-like
Orange-blossom-like
Creamy
How Is Pittosporum Used in Perfume?
Pittosporum is used in floral, citrus-floral and fresh compositions to add a sweet white-floral character. It pairs particularly well with jasmine, orange blossom, neroli, bergamot, lemon, mandarin, gardenia and musk. It can help connect bright citrus top notes with a fuller floral heart.
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