POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)

Common Wallaby-grass

 

0.2m - 0.9m (20-90cm) 

Spikelets 4-7-9 flowered, green or tinged purple, bracts exceeding florets except for exerted awns. 

Grains 

Perennial grass forming clumps or tussocks. 

Break O'Day; Brighton; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Clarence; Derwent Valley; Dorset; Flinders Island; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kingborough; Latrobe; Launceston; Meander Valley; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands; Tasman 

Dry Eucalypt Forest and Woodland; Grassy Vegetation 

Widespread in open situations or light woodland in lowland areas and up to about1000m.Drought tolerant. 

Dry; Exposed; Moist 

Hardy 

Fertile; Loam; Poor; Well-drained 

Rejuvenation occurs after burning, especially if followed by heavy rain . Wallaby-grass species are amongst the most valued native grasses in pastoral areas of Australia, due to their persistence palatability and productivity. They produce high quality forage in winter and withstand seasonal grazing. Heavy grazing, however, prevents flowering and damages tussocks, allowing an increase of exotic annual species in the pasture. Light grazing in spring and summer (after seed production) is possible. Cannot compete w ith exotic pasture species and slowly dies out in these situations, responds well to increased soil fertility levels. It provides valuable green pick after summer rains. Attracts seed-eating birds and tussocks provide habitat for native ground-dwelling reptiles. Has been known to spread well with occasional mowing. Suitable below powerlines. 

Seedheads turn from green to off-white and dry out as seed ripens. should release from heads easily. harvest by cutting stalks with secateurs. rub heads between 2 rubber car mats to extract seed. clean by sieving 

Surface sow 

Long 

 

Some provenances, especially from inland areas may have 2-4 months dormancy. Seed is best sown on the surface of seed trays and covered lightly.Most species have best results between 15-25oC. Some Danthonia germinate quite quickly if sown as soon as ripe. 

2-3 weeks 

Yes 

 

 

Yes 

Also from transplants.