Ptilotus declinatus


Ptilotus declinatus, commonly known as curved mulla mulla, is a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and is endemic to the south-west of Western Australia. It is a prostrate or ascending perennial herb, with leaves at the base of the plant and stem leaves that are hairy at first, later glabrous, and oval, hemispherical or spherical spikes of pink or magenta flowers.

Description

Ptilotus declinatus is a prostrate or ascending perennial herb that typically grows to a height of tall, its stems hairy at first, later glabrous. The leaves are arranged in rosettes at the base of the plant and on the stems, long and wide. The flowers are arranged in dense oval, hemispherical or cylindrical spikes with bracts long and bracteoles long at the base. The outer tepals are long, the inner tepals long. The style is long. Flowering occurs from September to
December and the seeds are glossy brown, long.

Taxonomy

Ptilotus declinatus was first formally described in 1845 by Nees von Esenbeck in Lehmann's book Plantae Preissianae. The specific epithet means 'bent', or 'turned aside'.

Distribution

Ptilotus declinatus is found in the Geraldton Sandplains, Swan Coastal Plain, Avon Wheatbelt and Jarrah Forest bioregions of south-western Western Australia.

Conservation status

This species of Ptilotus is listed as "not threatened" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.