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Austrostipa scabra

Scientific Name: Austrostipa scabra

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Austrostipa scabra (Speargrass)

Austrostipa scabra, commonly known as Speargrass, is a perennial grass native to Australia. It is a tufted plant, often found in the southern half of the continent.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is commonly called "Speargrass," which may refer to its sharp seed heads.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is commonly called "Speargrass," which may refer to its sharp seed heads.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Austrostipa scabra (Lindl.) S.W.L.Jacobs &amp J.Everett
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
  • Subfamily: Pooideae
  • Synonyms:
    • Stipa scabra subsp. falcata (Hughes) Vickery, S.W.L.Jacobs &amp J. Everett
  • Subspecies:
    • Austrostipa scabra subsp. scabra (Lindl.) S. W. L.
    • Austrostipa scabra subsp. falcata (Hughes) S.W.L.Jacobs &amp J.Everett

Distribution and Habitat

  • Found in all states of Australia, predominantly in the southern half of the continent.
  • Specific locations mentioned include Tasmania, Tuggeranong Hill, and Southern Tablelands Ecosystem Park.
  • Also found in NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Northern Territory.
  • Often found growing on plains in low shrubland.

Ecological Role

  • Austrostipa scabra ssp. falcata readily colonizes disturbed soil.

Morphological Characteristics

  • Tufted, perennial grass.
  • Grows up to 50 cm tall, with stems potentially reaching 60-80cm in height.
  • Leaves are fine, with a width of 0.6-1.2 mm.
  • Stems are erect.

Flowering and Seed Information

  • Flowers in spring.
  • Most herbarium specimens are collected from November to early December.
  • Prolific seed set is expected in the first 3 years.
  • Seed pre-treatment with smoke is recommended.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Mentioned in association with *Nassella trichotoma* (Serrated Tussock), where *Austrostipa scabra* is noted as being finer and more upright.

Further Information

  • PlantNET: http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&amplvl=sp&ampname=Austrostipa~scabra
  • Florabank
  • GRIN Taxonomy
  • Catalogue of Life
  • Tropical Savannas Fire Response Database
  • NSW Flora