Rytidosperma caespitosum
Common Wallaby-grass
Dense tufted perennial, sometimes reduced to small tufts. Very variable in features, depending on conditions.
Additional information
- SynonymAustrodanthonia caespitosa, Danthonia caespitosa
- FamilyPoaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size20-40 cm x 40 cm, stems to 1.2 m high
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesFlat to inrolled, hairy (sometimes hairless) leaves to 30 cm x 1-3 mm, blue-green on upper surface.
- Flower colourPurple
- Flowering timeSeptember to January
- FlowersDense, oblong flowerhead 3-8 cm long, 6-9 florets in 10-30 spikelets. Lower bract oblong to 5.5 mm, 2 rows of hairs above basal tuft; 2 lobes erect, abruptly tapering; central bristle dark, to 25 mm, twisted 3-5 times at base.
- Bird attractingSeeds
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatNo
- Growing conditionsMoist well drained soils of open forests and woodlands. Frost tolerant. Full sun, semi shade.
- Garden useUnderstorey planting. May be used as a lawn alternative as it can cope with mowing.
- Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries. Specialist grass suppliers
- Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1 Greg Jordan ©, University of Tasmania; 2 Richard Hartland ©; 3, 4 Peter Kinchington ©
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