Poaceae

Widespread and common throughout region.

Well-drained infertile soils. Tolerate severe frost and drought.

Tufted perennial grasses with fine leaves and fluffy seedheads. Grow year-roun

Species in region include:

White-top — R. caespitosa; Hill Wallaby Grass — R. eriantha; Wallaby Grass — R. laevis; Wallaby Grass — R. linkii var linkii; Wallaby Grass — R. monticola; Velvet Wallaby Grass — R. pilosa; Wallaby Grass — R. racemosa; Wallaby Grass — R. semiannularis; and Small-flowered Wallaby-grass — R. setacea.

When seedheads turn off-white, dry out and start to disintegrate.

From surface-sown seed, division of clumps, or from transplant

Excellent habitat. Food for seed-eating birds, including finches, and the Turquoise Parrot. Birds including the Speckled Warbler and Rufous Songlark nest in and under tussocks. Tussocks good cover for reptiles, including legless lizards. Food source for native grazers and butterfly larvae.

Excellent ‘contrast’ plants in native landscaping, and for rockeries. Plant in groups for best effect. Rejuvenate old plants by severe trimming or burning, and water afterwards to encourage growth.

Excellent grazing value. Important components of natural pastures in temperate areas. Pasture for large proportion of Australian wool industry. Valued for persistence, palatability and productivity. Tend to produce high quality forage in winter and withstand seasonal grazing.