Ironstone mulla mulla

Scientific name: Ptilotus beckerianus  

National status (EPBC Act 1999): Vulnerable

South Australian status: (NPW Act 1972): Vulnerable

Description:

Erect perennial herb to 20 cm high. Narrow elliptical basal leaves to 50 mm long and 10 mm wide, pale to dark green with a prominent mid-vein. Stem leaves to 32 mm long and 7 mm wide. Flowers in fluffy cylindrical clusters to 9 cm long, white to pink-tinged and covered in dense hairs. Flowering between August and January.

Distribution:

Endemic to South Australia and found on Kangaroo Island and the lower Eyre Peninsula. On Kangaroo Island it grows on sandy laterite and ironstone gravels, mainly in the western parts of the island.

Specific threats:

Threats to Ptilotus beckerianus include habitat disturbance from road maintenance and fire prevention works, inappropriate fire regimes (too frequent fires), soil-borne disease (Phytophthoracinnamomi), weed invasion from Tasmanian blue gum (Eucalyptus globulus) wildlings and climate change.