Family:
Poaceae
Themeda triandra
Kangaroo Grass
Other Names:
First Nations Name(s):
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Widespread throughout region.
Habitat & Site Selection:
Various habitats including moist, well-drained soils. Tolerates drought. Low to moderate frost tolerance.
Habit:
Tufted perennial deep-rooted grass to 1.2 m high. Often tinted red.
Seed Collection:
Summer, when seedheads dark and seed, dark red-brown. Seeds ripe if they release with very gentle pressure when awn pulled.
Propagation:
From seed, stored 6-11 months to overcome dormancy. Also by division in spring, when plants growing after winter dormancy.
VALUES:
Wildlife:
Excellent habitat. Seeds important food for finches and parrots. Cover for skinks, legless lizards, frogs, native insects and mammals. Attracts butterfly caterpillars.
Ornamental:
Very attractive ornamental for rockeries and native landscapes. Plant in groups for best effect. Rejuvenate old tussocks by severe pruning or burning, followed by heavy watering to encourage growth.
Other:
Moderate forage. Useful ‘green pick’ during summer after rain. Does not persist under heavy grazing or increased soil fertility. Seed can be ground and baked. Plants burnt in spring green over summer and low fire hazard.
