Ptilotus stirlingii

Ptilotus stirlingii
Subspecies stirlingii near Yanchep
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Ptilotus
Species:
P. stirlingii
Binomial name
Ptilotus stirlingii
Synonyms[1]
  • Ptilotus polystachyus (Gaudich.) F.Muell. p.p.
  • Ptilotus stirlingi F.Muell. orth. var.
  • Trichinium carneum Moq.
  • Trichinium stirlingii Lindl.

Ptilotus stirlingii, commonly known as Stirling's mulla mulla,[2] is a species of flowering plant of the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a low-lying or ascending perennial herb that typically grows to a height of up to 30 cm (12 in) and has heads of silvery flowers tinged with pink.[2][3]

This species was first formally described in 1839 by John Lindley who gave it the name Trichinium stirlingii in the Edwards's botanical register from specimens collected in the Swan River Colony.[4] In 1883, Ferdinand von Mueller transferred the species to Ptilotus as P. stirlingii in his Systematic Census of Australian Plants.[5] The specific epithet (stirlingii) honours James Stirling, the first governor of Western Australia.[6]

Ptilotus stipitatus is listed as 'not threatened' by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 "Ptilotus stirlingii". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 16 July 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 "Ptilotus stirlingii". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
  3. ↑ Lindley, John; Lindley, John (1839). "Trichinium stirlingii". Edwards's Botanical Register. 25: 28. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  4. ↑ "Trichinium stirlingii". APNI. Retrieved 17 July 2026. Cite error: Unknown parameter "<ref" in <ref> tag; supported parameters are dir, follow, group, name (see the help page).
  5. ↑ "Ptilotus stirlingii". APNI. Retrieved 17 July 2026.
  6. ↑ George, Alex S.; Sharr, Francis A. (2023). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings - A Glossary (fifth ed.). Kardinya: Four Gables Press. p. 326. ISBN 9780645629538.