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Image Credit: Annabel Carle CC BY-NC
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Image Credit: Nick Fitzgerald CC BY-NC
Scientific Name: Dichelachne crinita
Common Name: longhair plumegrass
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Poaceae
Form Description: Slender, tufted perennial grass with tall, smooth stems and finely ribbed leaf blades, 6mm wide.
Flowers: Very dense, fluffy, pale green flower heads, up to 25cm long by 3cm wide.
Fruit: Caryopsis
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Largely coastal, in open situations or under light woodland and heath, from sea level to 550m altitude.
Frost Tolerance
Moderate
General Notes
Fast-growing grass, tolerates a wide range of conditions and is an important food source for grazing animals.
Propagation Calendar
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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 Information
Seed Collection
When mature, the seed heads become wiry or bristly, and seed releases easily. Collect by running hands upwards along seed head, rub between 2 sheets of corrugated rubber or cut whole seed head with secateurs and extract seed later.
Seed Treatment Method
Surface Sow Sow seed finely on the surface of the potting mix and cover with just enough mix to hold the seed on the surface when watered.
Seed Storage Life
Several years
Seed Treatment Notes
No after-ripening requirement. Seed germinates quickly and has good viability. Suitable for direct seeding.
Germination Time
2-5 weeks