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Description
Stylidium Capillare, commonly known as the Slender Triggerplant, is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the genus Stylidium. It is native to Australia and can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, and South Australia. The plant is a small herbaceous perennial that typically grows up to 30 cm in height. It has slender stems and leaves that are arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers are pink or white and are held on long stems above the foliage. The Slender Triggerplant is a unique and fascinating plant that is known for its ability to trap and digest insects.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Stylidiaceae |
| Genus | Stylidium |
Appearance
The Slender Triggerplant is a small and delicate plant that has slender stems and leaves. The leaves are arranged in a basal rosette and are long and narrow with a pointed tip. The flowers are held on long stems above the foliage and are pink or white in color. They are small and tubular with five petals and a distinctive trigger-like stamen that snaps shut when an insect lands on it. The plant blooms from late winter to early summer.
Care Guide
The Slender Triggerplant is a relatively easy plant to care for, but it does have some specific requirements. Here are some tips for caring for your Slender Triggerplant:- Water: The plant prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. However, it is important not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: The Slender Triggerplant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: The plant prefers bright, indirect light and can be grown indoors or outdoors. It should be protected from direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.- Hardiness Zones: The Slender Triggerplant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Slender Triggerplant is not prone to many pests or diseases, but it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. In addition, the plant may attract aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies, which can be treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
The Slender Triggerplant is native to Australia and can be found in a variety of habitats, including wetlands, heathlands, and forests. It prefers moist soils and can tolerate both acidic and alkaline conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Slender Triggerplant be grown indoors?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with bright, indirect light and moist soil.
Q: How often should the Slender Triggerplant be fertilized?
A: The plant does not require frequent fertilization, but can benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: Does the Slender Triggerplant attract insects?
A: Yes, the plant is known for its ability to trap and digest insects.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Slender Triggerplant?
A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
– Stylidium Adnatum- Stylidium Armeria- Stylidium Carinatum- Stylidium Debile- Stylidium Dichotomum
References
– “Stylidium capillare.” Australian Plant Name Index (APNI). Retrieved from https://biodiversity.org.au/nsl/services/apni/ – “Stylidium capillare.” Australian National Botanic Gardens. Retrieved from https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp3/stylidium-capillare.html
