Family:
Poaceae
Bothriochloa macra
Red Grass
Other Names: Red-leg Grass, Pitted Beard Grass
Regional Subspecies:
n/a
Habit:
Perennial, tufted grass with basal leaves. Numerous wiry stems, reddish-purple flowering stems, 30-50 cm high. Flowers mostly in summer. Summer-growing, appears red/purple after frost.
Habitat & Site Preference:
Drier open forests and low-lying sites prone to brief flooding. Tolerates severe drought and low to moderate frost. Prefers 300 to 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina region.
Seed Collection & Propagation:
Collect late Dec-early Feb. Propagate from seed or division of tussock. Seedling establishment may be slow.
Values & Uses:
Useful garden ornamental, rejuvenate by pruning or burning and watering heavily. Moderate forage value, increases under grazing pressure and increased fertility.