Naming
The Sturt's Desert Rose was discovered by Charles Sturt in 1844-45. In 1947, James Hamlyn Willis gave the shrub its current botanical name.Two varieties are often recognized.
G. sturtianum var. nandewarense (Derera) Fryxell is found only in north-eastern New South Wales (around Narrabri) and the Expedition Range in central Queensland.
G. sturtianum var. sturtianum is more common and is found everywhere else.
G. sturtianum var. trilobum (F.Muell.) J.H.Willis is sometimes considered a synonym of Gossypium robinsonii.
Status
It is not considered to be at risk in the wild.Habitat
The Sturt's Desert Rose is found in sandy and gravelly soils, along dry creek beds, watercourses, gorges and rocky slopes. Adaptations for this plant include:⤷ There are fewer stomata or they are protected. The stomata on the Sturt's Desert Rose are found on the underside of the leaf. This means reduced water loss.
⤷ They have internal water storage.
⤷ Deep root systems. They are able to reach the water deep under the ground.
Defense
Sturt's Desert Rose contains gossypol, a chemical toxic to animals other than ruminants.Cultural
It is the floral emblem of the Northern Territory and appears in stylised form on the official flag with seven rather than five petals.References:
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