Scientific Name: Austrostipa blackii

Common Name: crested speargrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Threatened Species Status: Rare

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Tufted perennial

Flowers: Red-brown to dark brown.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonClarenceSouthern MidlandsWest Tamar
Plant Communities
Dry Eucalypt ForestGrassland
Habitat Notes

East coast, open woodland up to 100m.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Shady

Soil Tolerance

Clay, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Sandy, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Tender

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed

Seed Information

Seed Treatment Method

Storage Stratification at 3-5°C for up to 3 months may improve results. Place seed in a damp medium, lightly covered. Put moist seeds in a plastic bag and store in the fridge.

Seed Storage Life

Long at room temp.

Seed Treatment Notes

12- 24 month after ripening. Sow at twice depth of seed diameter. Difficult to germinate; try smoke water. Long viability at room temp.

Germination Time

3-10 weeks