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Story: Plant extracts

Strathmore weed

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Strathmore weed

Pinatoro or Strathmore weed (Pimelea prostrata), a small shrub, has poisoned animals (especially horses) in New Zealand. It was the original source of the toxin known as prostratin, a tumour-inhibiting agent. Pinatoro may be used as a source of prostratin if it is ever developed as a drug.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10056962

by D. R. Towns

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How to cite this page

Nigel Perry, Plant extracts – Medicines, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/14473/strathmore-weed (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Nigel Perry, published 2 March 2009.