Common Name: Pituri

General Information

Pituri is a small, wispy shrub growing up from 0.8 - 4 metres tall.
Commonly used as a stimulant and medicinal herb by the Aborigines of Australia, the plant is cultivated in Australia for the industrial-scale extraction of alkaloids[].

Known Hazards

An infusion of the leaves is toxic to rats, dogs, cats, and frogs and, in larger quantities, to humans[].

Botanical References

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia

Habitat

Arid regions on yellow or red sand, sandy loam, on plains, low dunes & rises[]. Arid regions on red sand in mallee and woodland communities[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Mainly found in the subtropics, but just extending into tropical areas.

Edible Uses

On the basis of its high nicotine content, chewed by the Australian aborigines like tobacco ('pituri')[].

Medicinal

The plant is a rich source of tropane alkaloids[]. These alkaloids are used in the pharmaceutical industry for the production of a wide range of medicines including stimulants, antispasmodics and analgesics.

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -

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