Rytidosperma lepidopodum

Wallaby-grass

Slender tufted perennial grass with long scaly underground stems.

SynonymJoycea lepidopoda, Danthonia lepidopoda
FamilyPoaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 15 cm high, stems to 0.6 m high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesHairless to slightly hairy flat or channelled leaf to 15 cm x 2 mm. Inrolled when dry.
Flower colourPurplish
Flowering timeNovember to March
FlowersSparse, narrowly oval flowerhead to 8 cm with few 3-4-flowered spikelets. Lower floral bract evenly covered in hairs, erect, tapering lobes lack bristles; central bristle weakly twisted at base; upper bract as high as lobe tips.
Bird attractingSeeds
Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsSandy soils in heathy woodland. Semi shade.
Garden useUnderplant amongst herbs in light soil.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from one location where it is not common. Victorian endemic.
Related speciesR. lepidopodum is now believed to be a naturally occurring hybrid between R. pallidum and R. laeve.