Gynatrix pulchella
Hemp Bush
a perennial woody evergreen member of the Gynatrix genus in the family Malvaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
Uses
Material uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
A fibre obtained from the bark is soft, glossy and long. It is used for tying, as a coarse string etc[2].
- Product or use
- Fibre
Environment
- Range
- Australia - New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania.
- Habitat
- River banks and in valleys[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 8+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a greenhouse. Sow stored seed in early spring in a greenhouse. It usually germinates freely[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm with a heel, July/August in a frame[1][4]. Layering[4].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Thrives in a deep well-drained humus-rich fertile soil in a sunny position[3][4]. This species is not very hardy in Britain but it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country[3]. It can be fast growing in really mild districts[3]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
References
F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00
Ewart. A. J. Flora of Victoria.
Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-7195-5043-2
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5