View source for Gossypium sturtianum

{{SPlantbox
|familia=Malvaceae
|genus=Gossypium
|species=sturtianum
|common_name=Desert Rose, Sturts Desert Rose
|name_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|habit=shrub
|habit_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|Min ht box=3
|Min ht metric=ft
|Max ht box=10
|Max ht metric=ft
|height_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|Max wd box=3
|Max wd metric=ft
|width_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|lifespan=perennial
|life_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|exposure=sun
|sun_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|features=flowers, fruit
|flower_season=early summer, mid summer, late summer
|flower_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|flowers=red, pink
|Temp Metric=°F
|min_zone=10
|usda_ref=Flora - A Gardener's Encyclopedia ISBN 0881925381
|max_zone=12
|image=Sturts Desert Rose.jpg
|image_width=240
}}
'''Sturt's Desert Rose''' ('''''Gossypium sturtianum''''') is a woody [[shrub]], closely related to cultivated [[cotton]], found in all mainland states of [[Australia]] and the [[Northern Territory]]. It has a [[Biological life cycle|life cycle]] of about 10 years, grows from 1–2 m tall and 1–2 m wide.

The [[colour]] of the petals can range from [[pale pink]] to dark [[purple]] to [[Maroon (color)|maroon]]. The five petals are arranged in a whorl and have a dark red centre. There is a small cotton spore in the centre of the flower. They can be seen for most of the year but peak in late winter. They are up to 12&nbsp;cm in diameter. The leaves are different shades of green, round and strongly [[scent]]ed when crushed. 

There are two variations of the Sturt's Desert Rose. Variation ''nandewarense'' is found only in north-eastern [[New South Wales]] (around [[Narrabri]]) and the [[Expedition Range]] in central [[Queensland]]. The more common variation, ''sturtianum'', is found everywhere else.

The Sturt's Desert Rose is found in [[sand]]y and [[gravel]]ly soils, along dry [[stream|creek]] beds, [[watercourse]]s, [[gorges]] and rocky [[slopes]]. This means that it must be able to store and conserve water. Adaptations for this plant include:

* A strong internal structure. This prevents wilting and reduces transpiration (sweat).
* There are fewer stomata (the pores that release gas in the leaves) 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. This reduces the need to rely on rain to stay watered. These sources could be in the trunk, root system or leaves.
* Deep root systems. They are able to reach the water deep under the ground.
* The seeds of the plant do not function before they are germinated. This means they have more chance of surviving.
* Sturt's Desert Rose contains the substance [[gossypol]]. Gossypol is toxic to all non-ruminant (cud-chewing) animals. This means the shrub has less chance of being eaten.

==Cultivation==


===Propagation===


===Pests and diseases===


==Varieties==


==Gallery==
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Image:Upload.png| photo 1
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==References==
<references/>
<!--- xxxxx  *Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881925381  -->
<!--- xxxxx  *American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432  -->
<!--- xxxxx  *Sunset National Garden Book. Sunset Books, Inc., 1997. ISBN 0376038608  -->

==External links==
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