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.