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Description
Stylidium Crassifolium, commonly known as Thick-leaved Triggerplant, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Stylidiaceae family. It is native to Western Australia and is commonly found in sandy areas and rocky slopes. The plant has a unique mechanism for pollination, where its style moves rapidly when triggered by an insect, resulting in the pollen sticking to the insect’s body.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Stylidiaceae |
| Genus | Stylidium |
Appearance
Stylidium Crassifolium is a small perennial plant that grows up to 30cm in height. It has thick, fleshy leaves that are about 2cm long and 0.5cm wide. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are shiny and dark green in color. The flowers are pinkish-purple in color and form a spike-like inflorescence that can grow up to 60cm in height. The plant blooms from August to December.
Care Guide
Stylidium Crassifolium is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for taking care of it:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Plant the Stylidium Crassifolium in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stylidium Crassifolium is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to rot if the soil is too wet. It can also be affected by spider mites and aphids, which can be treated with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Stylidium Crassifolium is native to Western Australia and is commonly found in sandy areas and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Stylidium Crassifolium be grown indoors?
A: While it is possible to grow Stylidium Crassifolium indoors, it prefers full sun and may not thrive in low-light conditions.
Q: How often should I fertilize Stylidium Crassifolium?
A: Fertilize the plant once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Can Stylidium Crassifolium be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Stylidium Crassifolium can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Q: What is the mechanism of pollination in Stylidium Crassifolium?
A: Stylidium Crassifolium has a unique mechanism for pollination, where its style moves rapidly when triggered by an insect, resulting in the pollen sticking to the insect’s body.
Related Plants
- Stylidium Debeuzevillei
- Stylidium Esculentum
- Stylidium Gracile
- Stylidium Grevilleoides
- Stylidium Scabridum
References
- “Stylidium crassifolium.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia). https://anpsa.org.au/s-cra.html
- “Stylidium Crassifolium.” Gardening With Angus. https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/stylidium-crassifolium-thick-leaved-triggerplant/
- “Stylidium crassifolium.” PlantNET – NSW Flora Online. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Stylidium~crassifolium
