Duboisia hopwoodii (Pituri) Seed
[25 Seeds]

Price: AU$4.90 In Stock: 22 Available
Quantity:

A native desert shrub used by indigenous people as a stimulant and ritual herb.

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.

Duboisia hopwoodii grows up to 1-3m in height in an erect fashion and produces small white flowers and long narrow leaves. It prefers a full sun position with well draining soil. Usually grows in red or yellow sand or sandy loam, on sandy plains, low dunes or sandy rises.

Germination Tips.
Seeds can benefit greatly from soaking in GA3 (Gibberellic acid) concentrate from 1000-2000ppm before sowing. This overcomes the physiological dormancy of this species. Seed can then be sown in spring or in warm conditions, just below the surface of a well drained potting mix. Keep moist and germination should start from 21 days onward. Note that this species is notoriously difficult to grow.

Common name.
Pituri Bush; Pitchuri; Bedgerie; Camel Poison; Emu Plant; Pitchiri; Poison Bush.
 
Duboisia hopwoodii (Pituri) Seed
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