472B-2-Themeda-triandra-Kelly-Hofert.jpg

Themeda triandra

Kangaroo Grass

Soft, erect or spreading tufted perennial herb. Flowering stems erect, reddish.

Additional information

  • SynonymThemeda australis
  • FamilyPoaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizeto 40 cm x 75 cm, stems 0.7-1 m high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesFlat or channelled green to blue-green leaves to 50 cm x 5 mm, sheath and lower part of leaf sometimes hairy.
  • Flower colourGreen and brown
  • Flowering timeSeptember to February
  • FlowersLeafy weeping or one-sided flowerhead 10-25 cm long, clusters of shiny 7-flowered spikelets, leafy bract at base of each; 4 male or sterile spikelets surround 2 male and 1 central female spikelet with purplish bristle.
  • Bird attractingSeeds, habitat - nesting materials
  • Butterfly attractingFood plant for caterpillars
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist to well drained soils, amongst other grasses in woodland and grassland, not tolerating very wet or dry conditions. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useAn excellent grass for feature planting due to its interesting flowerheads. Will cope with light traffic.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
  • Aboriginal Use Leaves - string for net-making; Food - seeds ground to make flour
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 2 Kelly Hofert/SYR ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 17 Messmate Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 40 Snow Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175/37)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 28 Red Box Grassy Dry Forest - Christmas Hills (EVC 22)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 31 Candlebark Grassy Forest (EVC 128)
  • 18 Messmate Shrubby Foothill Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 45)
  • 44 Grassy Wetland Complex (EVC 125)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 37 Yarra Gum Grassy Woodland (EVC 175)
  • 33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
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