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, NT 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.