Family Index

Scientific Name

Gynatrix pulchella

Family Name

MALVACEAE

Common Name

Common hemp-bush

Status

Rare

Height

2.0m - 5.0m (200-500cm)

Flowers

The small white flowers are highly perfumed, on axillary stalks.

Fruit

Papery capsule

Form

Medium to tall tree-like shrub

Municipalities

Devonport; Dorset; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Kentish; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Waratah-Wynyard; West Tamar

Communities

Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Wet Eucalypt Forest

Habitat Notes

Common in the north of Tasmania.

Site Tolerance

Dry; Moist; Shady

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile; Loam; Phosphorous intolerant; Well-drained

General Notes

These plants naturalize readily in disturbed areas, however they may be short-lived in cultivation. In the 19th century, the bark was regarded as producing a good quality yarn. Not suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection

The capsules are tan-brown at maturity. the seed firms and turns red-brown and is released within 3-14 days of maturity

Seed Treatment Method

Standard

Seed Storage Life

2 years

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Propagates readily from seeds. Viability of seed is usually good and germination is quick. After drying, the capsules may need to be lightly rubbed against a wire screen to extract all seed. Sieve to clean.

Germination Time

2-4 weeks

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Yes

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Cutting Notes

Propagates readily from cuttings.