Family: Stylidiaceae
Common Name: Trigger Plant

There are around 135 species in this genus of soft or woody, perennial plants, mostly from Australia, but some species occur in Southeast Asia and also New Zealand. Thev form rosettes of mostly grassy leaves, from which long, thin stems emerge, bearing spikes of unusual, lop-sided flowers. The long, bent column containing the anthers and the stigma hangs outside the little blooms like a handle. When it is touched by an insect, it springs across and dusts it with pollen. These unusual plants can be 'triggered' by tickling the flower with a pointed stick. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool or intermediate greenhouse or conservatory. Outdoors, plant in a mixed border.

Species

S. bulbiferum, from Western Australia, spreads by runners, forming mats of growth 15 cm (6 in) high. Red, pink to almost white flowers are borne in summer on reddish stems.

S. calceratum, a native of Victoria, grows to 10 cm (4 in) high, with rosettes of tiny, oval leaves, thread-like stems and clusters of small, pinkish white flowers.

S. graminifolium is probably the best known species, a native of eastern and southern Australia. It has grass-like tufts of leaves, slender, erect stems, to 15 cm (6 in) high, and pale pink to deep red-pink flowers.

S. laricifolium is the tallest of the species from eastern Australia, growing to 1 m (3 ft) high, and producing pink flowers.

Cultivation

In the greenhouse, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost. Ensure maximum light and airy conditions. Very little water is needed in winter. In the garden, plant in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Propagate by division in spring, or from ripe seed germinated at 18°C (64°F).

Climate

Zone 9.