Pittosporum in perfumery
In This Article
The Solar Flowers of Pittosporum
With over 200 different varieties, Pittosporum is a diverse genus of flowering plants. Two of its varieties are particularly known for their flowers. The first is the Japanese Pittosporum, which blooms in May and June, featuring clusters of small, white, star-shaped flowers. These cream-colored flowers form small bouquets at the ends of the plant's branches and exude a scent reminiscent of orange blossom. The fragrance is simultaneously floral, waxy, powdery, vegetal, and slightly sweet. The other floral variety of Pittosporum is the Small-leaved Pittosporum. It is characterized by its twigs with black bark and dense foliage. From March to April, this variety produces numerous tubular, very dark purple flowers that release a delicate honey scent. As a result, the flavors that contain Pittosporum create a burst of trendy sweets without becoming too heavy, managing to maintain a floral and airy lightness.
Pittosporum: A Scent Reproduced in the Laboratory
Unlike many other flowers, the scent of Pittosporum cannot be directly extracted from nature. This so-called "silent flower" owes its integration into modern perfumes to scientific advancements that enable the reconstitution of its scent using synthetic molecules. As a result, its use in perfumery is relatively recent. Despite this, the recreated fragrance remains remarkably close to the original flowery note of the shrub, offering an astonishing level of authenticity. The scent is evocative enough to transport one to Asian countries with a single breath.
Pittosporum has gained widespread popularity among major brands, and its fragrance has been used by renowned fashion houses such as Armani, Hugo Boss, Dolce & Gabbana, and Versace. While it can be found in various perfumes, it is more commonly used in feminine fragrances.
