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Before we go over the Little Sapphire or Trigger Grass, it is essential to know that this plant is also known as Stylidium graminifolium. This little beauty is a wildflower that is found in Australia. Let’s take a little more in-depth look into this plant!
Little Sapphire (Stylidium Graminifolium)
Stylidium graminifolium, commonly known as little sapphire or trigger grass, is a small herbaceous plant in the genus Stylidium. It is endemic to Australia and occurs in all states except Victoria.
The plant grows to a height of 10-50 cm and has linear to lanceolate leaves 2-10 cm long. The flowers are white, pink or purple and are borne 5-30 cm long on a scape.
Species Description
The plant is endemic to Western Australia and occurs in the state’s southwest.
The trigger plant has a basal rosette of leaves and an erect stem bearing a single inflorescence. The inflorescence consists of a solitary flower or a few flowers on a pedicel. The flowers have white petals and yellow anthers.
Cultivation & Uses
Stylidium graminifolium is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial that is native to Australia. It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant. It can be propagated by seed or division.
Stylidium graminifolium is an ornamental plant used in flower beds, borders, and rock gardens. It is also suitable for growing in containers. The flowers are pink or white and appear from spring to summer.
Growing & Planting
Growing little sapphire or trigger grass from seed is the best way to propagate this plant. Seed germination can be erratic, so sow the seeds in a tray filled with moist potting mix or sand. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots filled with well-draining soil.
Planting little sapphire or trigger grass in the garden is best done in spring or autumn. Choose a sunny spot in well-draining soil. Amend the soil with some compost or other organic matter before planting. Water regularly during dry spells.
Sunlight, Frost & Salt Tolerance
This little sapphire is found along the coast in sandy heath and can tolerate salt, frost and extended dry periods. It will grow in the shade, but flowers are best in the full sun.
This means it is perfect for those little sunny spots in your garden that other plants don’t seem to thrive in.
Climate
The climate varies depending on location but is typically hot and dry. The little sapphire or trigger grass (Stylidium graminifolium) is found in various habitats, including heathland, woodlands and open forest. It prefers well-drained soils in full sun to partial shade.
It is a hardy plant that can tolerate extended dry periods but will flower best with some supplemental watering during extended dry periods.
Soil types & Conditions
The little sapphire plant grows best in well-drained soils, such as sandy loams or clays. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is tolerant of frost.
Other soil types and conditions are also suitable, but some care must be taken to ensure that the soil is not too waterlogged. When planting the little sapphire, it is essential to firm the soil around the plant to help it establish itself. Watering should be done regularly, especially during dry periods.
Other Facts and Tips
- The little sapphire symbolizes good fortune, elegance, and refinement. The Victorian Language of Flowers also means “I cannot live without you.”
- This little sapphire is a member of the daisy family and is also known as trigger grass. It is found in Australia and New Zealand. The plant gets its name from the Greek word ‘stylos’, meaning pillar, and ‘gramma’, meaning grass. This is due to the plant’s hollow stem.
- The little sapphire is a hardy plant resistant to drought and frost. However, it is susceptible to snails and slugs.
- The little sapphire is an excellent addition to any garden. It attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Frequently Asked Questions about Little Sapphire
How do you grow Stylidium Graminifolium?
To grow Stylidium Graminifolium, you need to provide it with bright light and well-drained soil. It’s also good to water it regularly, but be careful not to overwater it. Finally, make sure to fertilize it regularly with a high-quality fertilizer.
How tall and wide does the grass trigger plant to grow?
The grass will trigger plants to grow depending on the type of soil, the pH levels, and the amount of light.
The height and width of the grass also depend on its genetic makeup. Some varieties of grass are bred to be shorter so that they can be mowed more easily, while other types of grass are bred to be taller so that they can provide more shade and cover.
Where can the grass trigger plant be found?
The grass-trigger plant can be found in tropical and subtropical areas around the world. It’s a perennial plant that grows from a rhizome (a thick, underground stem) and has long sword-shaped leaves.
The grass trigger plant is named for its unusual way of catching prey. The tips of the leaves are covered in tiny sticky hairs that trap insects. Once an insect is caught, the leaf slowly closes up around it like a Venus flytrap, digesting the prey with enzymes secreted by the hairs.
What does the trigger plant do?
The trigger plant is a type of carnivorous plant that uses quick-acting enzymes to digest its prey. The enzymes attach themselves to the prey’s surface, breaking down the proteins and starches in the flesh. Once the prey is liquefied, the plant sucks up the liquid through its stem. Some trigger plants can catch and digest insects that are as large as tadpoles!
How tall and wide does the grass trigger plant growth?
The grass triggers plant growth depending on the needs of the plant. If it’s a tall blade of grass, then it will need more height to catch the sunlight. If it’s a shorter blade of grass, then it will need to spread out more to catch the sunlight.
The width of the grass also affects its growth because if there is less space for the roots to grow, then the plant will stretch out taller and thinner in order to reach all of the nutrients and water it needs. Soil moisture levels, sunlight exposure, and nitrogen levels also play a role in determining how tall and wide a plant will grow.
How do you grow seeds from a trigger plant?
To propagate a trigger plant, you will need to remove a section of stem from the mother plant and insert it into the soil. The stem should have at least two leaves and two nodes. Make sure to keep the soil moist, and new shoots will emerge in a few weeks. Once the new shoots have grown, you can cut them off and replant them in the soil.
How does a trigger plant pollinate?
The process of triggering plant pollination is unique and interesting. First, the plant blooms with a large number of flowers that are pollinated by bees. However, the nectar in these flowers is not very sweet.
Next, the plant begins to produce a sticky sap that oozes from its stems and leaves. This sap is designed to attract ants, which are lured in by the sugary substance. Once the ants have ingested the sap, they are then covered in pollen from the trigger plant’s flowers. As the ants move from flower to flower, they spread the pollen and help to pollinate them.
Why is it called a trigger plant?
The term “trigger plant” is used to describe a variety of plants that have an odd-looking flower. The petals of the flower are long and thin, and they curve inward so that the tips of the petals touch. This gives the flowers a triangular shape, which is why they’re often called “trigger plants.”
The flowers are pollinated by bees, which get trapped inside the flower when they try to steal nectar. The bee then bumps into the pollen sacs on the stamen, causing them to release pollen. This process happens very quickly, and as soon as the bee flies away it’s covered in pollen. It then goes to another flower, transferring pollen as it tries to steal more n
