| Ptilotus caespitulosus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Ptilotus |
| Species: | P. caespitulosus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Ptilotus caespitulosus | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Trichinium caespitulosum (F.Muell.) F.Muell. ex Benth. | |
Ptilotus caespitulosus, commonly known as salt lake mulla-mulla,[2] was a species of flowering plant in the family Amaranthaceae and was endemic to Western Australia. It was a prostrate perennial herb with spikes of pink flowers. It was first formally described in 1868 by Ferdinand von Mueller in his Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae from specimens collected by James Drummond.[3][4] The specific epithet (caespitulosus) means 'many small tufts', referring to the lower leaves.[5]
This species of Ptilotus grew around salt lakes.[2] It is listed as "presumed extinct" by the Government of Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.[2]
- ^ a b "Ptilotus caespitulosus". Australian Plant Census. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ a b c "Ptilotus caespitulosus". FloraBase. Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
- ^ "Ptilotus caespitulosus". Australian Plant Name Index. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ von Mueller, Ferdinand (1868). Fragmenta Phytographiae Australiae. Vol. 6. Melbourne: Victorian Government Printer. p. 232. Retrieved 24 February 2025.
- ^ George, Alex; Sharr, Francis (2021). Western Australian Plant Names and Their Meanings (3rd ed.). Kardinya, WA: Four Gables Press. p. 154. ISBN 9780958034180.