Contents
Description
Duboisia Myoporoides, commonly known as corkwood or pituri, is a plant native to Australia. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is known for its medicinal properties. The plant has been used by Indigenous Australians for centuries for its psychoactive effects. Its leaves and bark contain nicotine, which has been used as a stimulant, sedative, and painkiller. It is also used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of alkaloids such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Duboisia |
Appearance
Duboisia Myoporoides is a tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and oval-shaped with a pointy tip. The leaves are 5-15 cm long and 2-6 cm wide. The flowers are white or cream-colored and are 2-3 cm in diameter. The fruit is a green berry that turns yellow when ripe, and it contains numerous small seeds.
Care Guide
Duboisia Myoporoides can be grown in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5. It requires full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.Water: The plant requires regular watering during the growing season, but it should be allowed to dry out between watering.Fertilization: The plant does not require much fertilizer, but it can benefit from a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.Sunlight: The plant requires full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Duboisia Myoporoides is susceptible to a few pests and diseases, including:Pests:- Mites- Whiteflies- CaterpillarsDiseases:- Anthracnose- Powdery mildew- Root rotTo prevent these pests and diseases, ensure the plant is grown in well-drained soil, watered properly, and kept free of weeds.
Habitat
Duboisia Myoporoides is native to Australia and is found in the eastern and southern parts of the country. It grows in a range of habitats, including dry sclerophyll forests, rainforests, and woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: What are the medicinal properties of Duboisia Myoporoides?
A: The plant has been used as a stimulant, sedative, and painkiller. Its leaves and bark contain nicotine, which is used to produce alkaloids such as scopolamine and hyoscyamine.Q: What is the hardiness zone for Duboisia Myoporoides?
A: The plant is hardy to USDA zones 9-11.Q: What pests and diseases are common in Duboisia Myoporoides?
A: The plant is susceptible to mites, whiteflies, caterpillars, anthracnose, powdery mildew, and root rot.Q: Where is Duboisia Myoporoides native to?
A: The plant is native to Australia and is found in the eastern and southern parts of the country.
Related Plants
– Duboisia Leichhardtii- Duboisia Hopwoodii- Atropa Belladonna- Datura Stramonium
References
– “Duboisia myoporoides.” Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Accessed 29 June 2021. https://www.agriculture.gov.au/abares/forestsaustralia/profiles/duboisia-myoporoides.- “Duboisia myoporoides.” Florabank. Accessed 29 June 2021. https://www.florabank.org.au/lucid/key/species%20navigator/media/html/Duboisia_myoporoides.htm.- “Duboisia myoporoides.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed 29 June 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:817820-1.
