Petalostigma pubescens

Petalostigma pubescens foliage and flowers

Petalostigma pubescens is a species of flowering plant in the Picrodendraceae family, native to Australia. This species is commonly known as the Hairy Quinine Tree due to its historical use in traditional medicine, similar to the use of quinine derived from the bark of trees in the genus Cinchona. Petalostigma pubescens is characterized by its distinctive hairy leaves and bark, which differentiate it from other species within the Petalostigma genus.

Description

Petalostigma pubescens is a small to medium-sized tree or shrub that can reach heights of up to 10 meters. The plant's leaves are oblong to elliptical in shape, measuring 5 to 15 cm in length, with a pubescent (hairy) texture on both surfaces. The flowers of Petalostigma pubescens are small and yellow, appearing in clusters. The fruit is a capsule, typically containing three seeds, which turns from green to brown as it matures.

Distribution and Habitat

Petalostigma pubescens is found in various habitats across Australia, including dry rainforests, coastal scrubs, and eucalypt woodlands. Its distribution spans from the northern regions of Queensland, through New South Wales, and into the eastern parts of South Australia. The species prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in sandy or rocky areas.

Uses

Historically, Petalostigma pubescens has been used in traditional Australian Aboriginal medicine. The bark and leaves were used to treat a variety of ailments, including fevers and headaches, drawing parallels to the use of quinine. Despite its traditional uses, there is limited scientific research on the pharmacological properties of Petalostigma pubescens.

Conservation

Currently, there is no specific conservation status listed for Petalostigma pubescens. However, like many native Australian plants, it faces threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. Conservation efforts are important to ensure the survival of this and other native species.

See Also

• Picrodendraceae
• Traditional medicine
• Conservation status