Duboisia hopwoodii (Pituri) Plant

Description

Duboisia hopwoodii, commonly known as Pituri, is a native desert shrub used by indigenous people as a stimulant and ritual herb. It grows up to 1-3 metres in height in an erect fashion and produces small white flowers and long narrow leaves.

Indigenous Australians mix the dried leaves of a small population of D. hopwoodii growing around the Mulligan River with wood ash to make a variety of pituri, the traditional Aboriginal chewing mixture. D. hopwoodii plants from this region are high in nicotine and low in nornicotine, whereas those found in some other parts of Australia can have very high levels of nornicotine and are sometimes used to contaminate water holes and stun animals to help in hunting.

Seeds are not permitted to be collected from the Mulligan River area, our seeds have been collected from other populated areas in SA.

• Common name.

Pituri Bush; Pitchuri; Bedgerie; Camel Poison; Emu Plant; Pitchiri; Poison Bush.

• Specifications.

50mm Pot Size
Seed Grown Plant

Ideal Growing Conditions.

Duboisia hopwoodii prefers a full sun position with free draining soil. Usually grows in red or yellow sand or sandy loam, on sandy plains, low dunes or sandy rises. Drought tolerant.

Pruning: Duboisia hopwoodii is a hardy Australian arid-zone shrub or small tree that generally responds well to pruning. Regular light pruning helps maintain a dense, bushy form and encourages fresh growth. Best pruned in late winter to early spring or after active growth periods.

Pests and Diseases: Duboisia hopwoodii is generally quite resistant to pests and diseases, particularly when grown in hot, dry conditions. Its natural alkaloid content helps deter many insects and browsing animals. Monitor your plant for pests like scale, mealybugs or spider mites if growing outside its natural environment. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap, Eco Oil or Neem Oil

Soil: You need a high quality potting mix, not a pre-bagged product such as you find at Bunnings etc, try a landscaping place. However, as I am not local to you I still can’t say if they have good quality or not. You are looking for well composted pine bark and large particles. This ensures air flow to the roots and good drainage.

We recommend Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day for a fertiliser, which can be found in our store, however any good quality slow release fertiliser will do. When time to re-pot, select a pot one size up ONLY and ensure it has many holes for good drainage.

Fertiliser: 

Yates Nutricote Standard Black 270 Day Controlled Release Fertiliser

The Plant Runner Indoor Plant Food

We cannot send plants to Western Australia & Tasmania due to restrictions.

We strongly recommended to select Express Post shipping for all plant orders to minimise the transit time.

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