Scientific Name: Petalostigma pubescens

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  • Pronunciation:
    pet−al−o−STIG−ma pew-BESS-enz
  • Common Name:
    Quinine Berry
  • Type:
    Shrub or Small Tree
  • Family:
    PICRODENDRACEAE
  • Status:
    Select Status
  • Flowers:
    Yellow-green to 10mm.
  • Fruit:
    Yellow, hairy to 15mm
  • Vegetation Type:
    Seacoast
  • Species List:
    Plants for Coastal Gardens, Hedges, Bush food, Bush medicine, Craft, NNP service road, Fraser Island, Batianoff 87, NNP Coastal BHNR Arthur Harrold NR, Regional Ecosystem 12.2.11
Cultural Notes

TAKE CARE! Some information about bush foods and medicines may be anecdotal. Correct identification and preparation is essential:

Used as fish POISON. Bush food: Fruit has strong astringent taste. Bush medicine: Aboriginal women prepared fruits to prevent pregnancy; Bark and fruits reported to have been used for treating malaria,toothache and sore eyes and to make an antiseptic wash. Fruits held in mouth for toothache. fruits soaked in tea for fever. Bark produces brownish yellow dye (Floyd)

Identification Notes

Leaves dark green above, grey and hairy below. Male and female plants (Dioecious)

Associated Fauna

Butterfly host plant: Copper jewel.

Landscaping Notes

Prefers well drained sandy soil. Fast growing and very hardy. Useful for seaside screen planting. Appealing, soft velvety leaves and attractive pendulous growth. Dark fissured bark. Elegant feature tree for coastal areas.