POACEAE (GRAMINEAE)

Tasmanian Wallaby-grass

 

45-80cm 

4-6 flowered spikelets 

Grains 

Erect tufted perennial with ribbed leaf sheaths 

Central Coast; Central Highlands; Circular Head; Clarence; Flinders Island; Glamorgan-Spring Bay; Glenorchy; Hobart; Huon Valley; Kingborough; Latrobe; Northern Midlands; Sorell; Southern Midlands 

 

Widespread in lowland areas, mostly coastal. Up to about 600m a.s.l. in open or semi-shaded situations (dry or moist). 

 

 

 

Grown from seed, which may have an after-ripening period of 2-6 months. For some provenances of this species, fresh seed is not dormant but older seed becomes dormant. Store in jars, as mice are attracted to the seed. Suitable below powerlines. 

Seeds are found at the end of long stalks, which turn from green to off-white and dry as the seed matures. Each seedhead produces numerous seeds. Good results when seed is fresh, and temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees C. Seed released within 3-14 days of seed maturity, collect from late Nov to early Jan. Collect by cutting the stalks with secateurs, and rub seedheads betweeen two rubber car mats (or hands for smaller amount) to extract. 

 

Several years at least 

 

 

3-5 weeks for non-dormant seed