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Description
Ptilotus Nobilis, commonly known as the Pink Mulla Mulla or the Large Pink Mulla Mulla, is a perennial herb native to Western Australia. It belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and is known for its stunning pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and has a bushy, rounded habit with narrow leaves that are covered in soft hairs.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus | Ptilotus |
Appearance
The Pink Mulla Mulla is known for its stunning pink flowers that bloom in the late spring and summer. The flowers are cylindrical in shape and grow up to 5 cm long and 1 cm wide. They are densely packed together on a spike that can grow up to 30 cm long. The leaves of the plant are narrow and grow up to 10 cm long and 4 mm wide. They are covered in soft hairs that give them a velvety texture. The plant grows up to 50 cm tall and has a bushy, rounded habit.
Care Guide
Water: The Pink Mulla Mulla prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter months.
Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Soil: The Pink Mulla Mulla prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. It can tolerate sandy or loamy soils but does not do well in clay soils.
Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to bloom.
Hardiness Zones: The Pink Mulla Mulla is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Pink Mulla Mulla is relatively pest and disease-free. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Spider mites and aphids can also be a problem, especially in dry weather. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
The Pink Mulla Mulla is native to Western Australia and is found in sandy and gravelly soils in semi-arid regions. It is commonly found in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions of Western Australia.
Question and Answer
Q: How often should I water my Pink Mulla Mulla?
A: Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in the winter months.
Q: What is the best fertilizer for Pink Mulla Mulla?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Pink Mulla Mulla?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Q: What pests and diseases affect Pink Mulla Mulla?
A: The plant is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Spider mites and aphids can also be a problem, especially in dry weather.
Related Plants
- Ptilotus Exaltatus
- Ptilotus Macrocephalus
- Ptilotus Polystachyus
References
- “Ptilotus nobilis.” Austraflora.
- “Ptilotus nobilis.” Australian Native Plants Society.
- “Ptilotus nobilis.” Florabase.
