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Description
Stylidium Calcaratum is a species of flowering plant in the family Stylidiaceae. It is commonly known as the “Purple Triggerplant” due to its unique trigger-like mechanism that allows it to catch insects for pollination. This plant is native to Western Australia and can grow up to 60 cm in height. It has narrow leaves and produces clusters of small purple flowers that bloom from July to November.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Stylidiaceae |
| Genus | Stylidium |
| Species | Stylidium Calcaratum |
Appearance
Stylidium Calcaratum has narrow leaves that grow up to 10 cm in length. The leaves are dark green in color and have a glossy texture. The plant produces clusters of small purple flowers that bloom from July to November. The flowers have a unique trigger-like mechanism that allows them to catch insects for pollination. The flower’s stigma is located in the center of the trigger, and when an insect lands on the trigger, it causes the stigma to move to the insect’s body, ensuring pollination.
Care Guide
Water: Stylidium Calcaratum prefers to be kept moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant once a week, or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).Soil: Stylidium Calcaratum prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and sand can be used.Sunlight: Stylidium Calcaratum prefers full sun to partial shade. Keep the plant in a location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: Stylidium Calcaratum can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Stylidium Calcaratum is relatively pest and disease free. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Insects such as aphids and spider mites may occasionally infest the plant.
Habitat
Stylidium Calcaratum is native to Western Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including banksia woodland, heathland, and sandplains. It prefers well-draining soils and can grow in areas with low-to-moderate rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Stylidium Calcaratum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, but it prefers to be grown outdoors in full sun to partial shade.
Q: How often should I fertilize Stylidium Calcaratum?
A: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer).
Q: What is the trigger-like mechanism on Stylidium Calcaratum?
A: The trigger allows the flower to catch insects for pollination.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Stylidium Calcaratum?
A: Stylidium Calcaratum can be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 9-11.
Related Plants
- Stylidium Adnatum
- Stylidium Australiense
- Stylidium Gracile
- Stylidium Scabridum
References
- “Stylidium Calcaratum.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Australian Government, n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2021.
- “Stylidium Calcaratum.” Florabase. Western Australian Herbarium, n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2021.
- “Stylidium Calcaratum.” The Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust. New South Wales Government, n.d. Web. 25 Aug. 2021.
