Common names

Hempbush, Common Hempbush, Eastern Bitter-bush, Fragrant Hempbush, Hemp Bush.

Scientific names

Gynatrix pulchella, Plagianthus pulchellus, Plagianthus pulchellus var. tomentosus.

Family

Malvaceae.

Genus

Gynatrix.

Name origin

Pulchella, from Latin pulchella, beautiful.

Rainfall

400mm+.

Growth height

Up to 3m.

Presence in Australia

Noted in Tumut region.

This specie has been identified in the following Australian states: Qld, NSW, ACT, Vic, Tas, SA, NT, WA.

Habitat

Chiefly in gully scrubs and near creeks on rocky sites, at moderate elevations.

Habit

Semi-deciduous, open woody spreading shrub to 3m high. Bright green heart-shaped, soft, toothed leaves to 15cm long.

Site preference

Protected position in moist, well-drained soil and semi-shade. Tolerates poor drainage and seasonal waterlogging to 10cm deep, and full sun. Tolerates extended dry periods but not permanently dry soil. Tolerates moderate frost.

Flowering

Cream to white. Often profuse and fragrant, in loose clusters along stems.

Seed collection

Late Nov to late Dec. Monitor closely as seeds shed 3-14 days after maturity. Seeds remain viable for at least 2 years.

Propagation

From seed or cuttings. Seeds germinate readily in 2-4 weeks, and can be direct seeded into pots (2 seeds per pot). Strikes readily from cuttings.

Regeneration

Regenerates readily in disturbed areas.

Land protection

Useful for stabilising soils along creeks where it occurs naturally.

Koori

String made from bark.

Ornamental

Not highly ornamental, but attractive when flowering profusely. Fragrant floral perfume can permeate large areas. Can be planted under established trees. Prune tips to encourage bushiness and prevent straggliness. Cultivated plants may be short-lived.

Other

Good quality warp yarn produced from bark in 19th century.