Family:
Poaceae
Aristida spp.
Wire Grasses
Other Names: Threeawn grasses, Kerosene grasses.
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Widespread across region (although not necessarily recorded on General Native Vegetation Profiles).
Habitat and Site Selection:
Frequently in low rainfall areas on poor soils. Tolerate severe drought.
Habit:
Tufted annuals or perennials, usually with slender wiry culms, narrow leaves. Three awns on seed.
Similar Species:
Species in region include Purple Wiregrass — A. ramosa; Brush Wiregrass — A. behriana, and Wiregrass — A. jerichoensis.
Seed Collection:
Mature seeds are reddish-purple and fall to the ground in a tangled mass.
VALUES:
Other:
Not valuable as fodder except during drought. ‘Seeds’ sharp, damage animal hides and contaminate wool.