Gynatrix pulchella

Gynatrix pulchella, or hemp bush, is an evergreen shrub. It belongs to the mallow family, Malvaceae. Older sources placed its genus in the family Tiliaceae. Kew gives its native range as southeastern Australia. It grows on river banks and in valleys. Kew also puts it in a subtropical climate zone. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

In gardens, the shrub reaches about 8.2 feet (2.5 metres). It keeps its leaves all year. Plants For A Future says it grows fast. The same source links strong growth to very mild areas. Its bark yields long fibres that feel soft and look shiny. People use these fibres as rough string and for tying. The supplied records give no more facts about leaves or bark.

Plants For A Future lists July as its flowering month. Male and female flowers grow on separate plants. The term for this is dioecious; it is not self-fertile. Grow both sexes together if you want seed. The evidence gives no flower colour or fruit shape. Sow fresh seed under glass in autumn. Sow stored seed under glass in early spring. The source says the seed tends to sprout well.

Choose a sunny spot with deep, rich soil full of humus. The roots need moist soil that drains well. The plant accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. It also grows in slightly acid to slightly alkaline soil. Plants For A Future says it will not grow in shade. It suggests a sunny spot at a woodland edge. In Britain, grow it outdoors in the milder areas. The same source lists USDA zones 7–10. Still, heed its warning about the plant's limited hardiness in Britain.

Keep young seedlings in a greenhouse through at least their first winter. Plant them out after the expected last frost. The source suggests planting in late spring or early summer. You can also raise plants from half-ripe cuttings or by layering. Plants For A Future lists no known food or medicinal uses. It reports no known hazards, but this does not prove safety. Its weed review lists no weed potential. The supplied evidence names no pests or diseases. Besides bark fibre, its supported garden use is as a shrub at a sunny woodland edge.