Hemp Bush
Gynatrix pulchella

Family: Malvaceae

What it is like

Gynatrix pulchella is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft 2in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, in flower in July. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). . The plant is not self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 2.5

Where it is found

River banks and in valleys.

Australia - New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 1

A fibre obtained from the bark is soft, glossy and long. It is used for tying, as a coarse string etc.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

How it is grown

Thrives in a deep well-drained humus-rich fertile soil in a sunny position. This species is not very hardy in Britain but it succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the country. It can be fast growing in really mild districts. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.

Propagating it: 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. 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. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Plagianthus pulchellus. Sida pulchella.