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Ptilotus exaltatus
Also called Tall Mulla Mulla
Ptilotus exaltatus, commonly known as tall mulla mulla, large pink pussy-tails, pink mulla mulla , lambs tail, or showy foxtail, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to large parts of arid and semi-arid Australia. It is an erect annual or short-lived perennial herb with lance-shaped or spatula-shaped leaves, and cylindrical spikes of pink to purple flowers.
Ptilotus exaltatus is a highly desirable Australian native plant due to its abundant and colourful flowers, but its horticultural potential is limited by poor germination rate. The seed dispersal unit of the plant is a 2 mm × 1.5 mm (0.079 in × 0.059 in) nut enclosed by the perianth, which prevents germination. Removal of the perianth sheath surrounding the seed stimulates a 60–80% increase in germination. Germination does not seem to be affected by temperature or light, and two main barriers to germination have been identified – the surrounding perianth tissue and the testa prevent germination in the majority of cases of uncleaned seeds. The removal of these objects which encircle the seed led to a significant increase in germination. Application of slow-release fertiliser as well as application of liquid, nitrogen-based fertiliser promoted plant growth and early flowering.
Ptilotus exaltatus is found in all Australian states and the Northern Territory. It is widespread in all but the far south of Western Australia where it grows in a variety of habitats, all but the far north of the Northern Territory, in western New South Wales in mallee communities in the north west of Victoria, northern South Australia and western Queensland.
Ptilotus actinocladus · Ptilotus aervoides · Ptilotus albidus · Ptilotus alexandri · Ptilotus andersonii · Ptilotus angustifolius · Leafless Mulla Mulla · Ptilotus appendiculatus · Ptilotus aristatus · Ptilotus arthrolasius · Ptilotus astrolasius · Ptilotus auriculifolius
Text excerpted from the Wikipedia article Ptilotus exaltatus by its contributors, under CC BY-SA 4.0; the excerpts are shared under the same licence.
Life form, climate and native range: World Checklist of Vascular Plants, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (CC BY 3.0), reformatted; see Plants of the World Online.
