Family:
POACEAE
Enteropogon acicularis
Spider Grass
Other Names: Large Windmill Grass, Curly Windmill Grass, Star Grass, Umbrella Grass.
Regional Subspecies:
Many, Including: P. labillardieri (Tussock Grass), P. sieberiana (Fine-leaf Tussock Grass)
HABIT:
Tufted perennial grass to about 40 cm high. Generally bluish-green leaves. Flowers after rain.
HABITAT & SITE PREFERENCE:
Often found in cracking clay soils. Tolerates drought and floods. Grows abundantly after warm-season rains. Prefers 300 to 450 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
SEED COLLECTION & PROPAGATION:
Harvest entire seedheads by hand or with secateurs. Propagate from seed, some Enteropogon species may have an after-ripening period.
VALUES & USES:
Stabilises sandy soils. Young growth is palatable, but older growth becomes harsh and unpalatable if ungrazed.