Denis Barthel · CC BY-SA 3.0
About
Also known as the rainbow plant, *Byblis gigantea* is a perennial herb or sub-shrub notable for its deep, woody rootstock that allows it to resprout after fire. It is a carnivorous species endemic to Western Australia.
Field notes
Morphology
The plant typically grows to a height of 0.45 metres and features closely spaced leaf bases. It produces pink-purple and white flowers and forms an obtuse subglobose capsule with faint nerves. The seeds are highly corrugated and ribbed, measuring 0.6 to 1.5 mm in length and 0.6 to 1.0 mm in width.
Distribution & habitat
It has a scattered distribution across Western Australia, ranging from the Wheatbelt region near Dandaragan through the Swan Coastal Plain and into the Darling Range, extending south to the Peel region. It is often found in and around swamps and seasonally wet areas.
Cultivation notes
The species prefers drier conditions and grows well in large pots using a very sandy soil mix, requiring only top-watering. Germination may require gibberellic acid or pot fire treatment.
History & etymology
The species was first formally described by John Lindley in 1839. The specific epithet, gigantea, is derived from the Latin word giganteus, meaning giant, referring to its larger size compared to *Byblis liniflora*.
Conservation
It was listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN in 2000 and was later designated a 'Priority Two' flora due to its absence over much of its former range caused by urban expansion.
Habitat
- Altitude
- 0–400 m
- Altitude Class
- lowland
- Native To
- Australia
Cultivation
- Difficulty
- intermediate
- Temperature
- Summer 22–32°C / Winter 8–16°C
- Humidity
- 40–70%
- Notes
- Perennial Mediterranean-climate species from SW Australia. Needs dry rest.
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