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Description
Stylidium Uniflorum, commonly known as the Pink Triggerplant, is a small herbaceous plant that belongs to the Stylidiaceae family. It is native to Australia and grows in sandy or gravelly soils in open woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands. The plant gets its name from the unique trigger-like mechanism that it uses to pollinate. It has a single pink flower with a hairy upper lip and a long spur at the back. The leaves are narrow and linear, measuring between 1-10 cm long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Stylidiaceae |
| Genus | Stylidium |
Appearance
The Pink Triggerplant has a unique appearance with its pink flower and long spur. The flower measures between 2-3 cm long and has a hairy upper lip that curves backward. The lower lip is smooth and has a white patch at the base. The long spur at the back of the flower measures up to 4 cm long and is curved downward. The leaves are narrow and linear, measuring between 1-10 cm long, and are arranged in a rosette at the base of the plant. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and blooms from late winter to early summer.
Care Guide
The Pink Triggerplant is a hardy plant and requires minimal care. Here are some tips to help you take care of your Stylidium Uniflorum:
Water
The plant needs regular watering during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater as it can cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Fertilization
The plant does not require fertilization as it grows well in poor soils. However, you can feed it with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season to encourage growth.
Soil
The plant prefers sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage. You can add perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage.
Sunlight
The plant requires full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate hot and dry conditions but may require some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C).
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pink Triggerplant is generally pest and disease-free. However, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. It can also be affected by leaf spot, which is caused by fungal infection, but it rarely causes serious damage to the plant.
Habitat
The Pink Triggerplant is native to Australia and grows in sandy or gravelly soils in open woodlands, heathlands, and grasslands. It can also be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and cleared land.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Stylidium Uniflorum?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but be careful not to overwater. Allow the soil to dry out between watering.
Q: What is the unique feature of Stylidium Uniflorum?
A: Stylidium Uniflorum has a unique trigger-like mechanism that it uses to pollinate.
Q: Can Stylidium Uniflorum tolerate hot and dry conditions?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate hot and dry conditions, but it may require some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Q: What is the hardiness zone of Stylidium Uniflorum?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 8-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20°F (-7°C).
Related Plants
- Stylidium Adnatum
- Stylidium Armeria
- Stylidium Australasicum
- Stylidium Debile
- Stylidium Glabrum
References
- “Stylidium uniflorum.” Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), www.anpsa.org.au/s-uni.html.
- “Stylidium uniflorum.” PlantNet, plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Stylidium~uniflorum.
- “Stylidium uniflorum.” The Royal Botanic Garden and Domain Trust, www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/Science/Evolutionary_Ecology_Research/Stylidium/Stylidium_species/Stylidium_uniflorum.
