General Description:

There are about 100 species in the genus Ptilotus, all but one occurring only in Australia. They are found in a range of habitats from tropical areas to the arid inland. They are usually herbaceous annuals or perennials with flowers in dense, conical heads. A few species are sometimes called “pussy tails’ because of the appearance of the flower spikes (eg. Ptilotus exaltatus).

Ptilotus axillaris is a prostrate, annual plant with oval-shaped leaves up to 100 mm long and 25 mm wide. The small flowers occur in feathery flowerheads from the leaf axils and may be up to 40 mm in diameter.  Flowers are usually white with pink/purple markings and appear from autumn to spring.

Mat mulla mulla is not well known in cultivation but has potential as an attractive rockery plant for arid and semi-arid areas in a sunny or lightly shaded location. It is likely to be difficult to maintain in wetter, humid east coast locations but may be worth trying as a container plant (such as a hanging basket) in those areas. Although regarded as an annual species, it may last beyond a single season in favourable areas.

Propagation is usually carried out from seed which does not require any pretreatment but which may be slow and unreliable in germination. Propagation from cuttings should also be successful.