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Characterised by the erect flower spikes, that start off short and then extends into a long narrow cylinder shape, the Longtails (Ptilotus polystachyus) can be a sprawling herb, that can grow up to 2 metres in height.
The flower spikes are usually pale green-yellow, almost straw-coloured (the perianth tips sometimes has a reddish-tinged), later turning brownish. There is also a red-brown form known locally as the Red Pussytail.
The Longtails are listed under the genus Ptilotus that are commonly called the Mulla-mulla group of wildflowers. They are a short-lived perennials, native to Australia and usually found mainly growing in arid environments.
- Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Clade: Tracheophytes
- Clade: Angiosperms
- Clade: Eudicots
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Family: Amaranthaceae
- Genus: Ptilotus
- Species: P. polystachyus
- Binomial name: Ptilotus polystachyus
Footnote & References
- Ptilotus, Ausemade, https://ausemade.com.au/flora-fauna/flora/ptilotus/
- Longtail, Ausemade, https://ausemade.com.au/flora-fauna/flora/ptilotus/longtail-ptilotus-polystachyus/