Gossypium australe

Malvaceae

Native Cotton

 
Form and Size: A small to medium, erect shrub, 1-4m high.

Distribution: Widespread throughout arid areas of central Australia, as far north as Katherine, N.T. and Charters Towers, Qld.

Leaves: Egg-shaped, sometimes slightly 3-lobed, blunt, hairy, greyish, 3-6cm x 1.5-3cm; a bright red gland at the base of the leaf.

Flowers: Pink or mauve, centre dark red, 4-6cm diameter, 5 petals, showy, flimsy.

Flowering Period: May to October and sporadic.

Fruit: Capsules, globular, about 2cm long, hairy, 3-5 segments; seeds black, bristly hairy.

Distinguishing Features: Distinguished from G. sturtianum by the hairy, greyish leaves.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from seed, stem cuttings or root cuttings. This small, sparse shrub has very showy flowers but the plant tends to lose vigour very quickly. It can be rejuvenated by heavy pruning.