Scientific Name: Poa clelandii
Common Name: purplish tussockgrass
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Poaceae
Form Description: Erect, tufted perennial grass with green or purplish stems, purplish leaf sheaths and folded leaves up to 25cm long.
Flowers: In a 10cm long flower head of spikelets, which is contracted at first and spreading later.
Fruit: Caryopsis
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Wide range of habitats, including coastal sands in the north-east, under light eucalypt forest in the Midlands, and poorly drained sites in grass-sedgeland in the Central Highlands and south-west.
General Notes
Cut back in autumn to promote new growth. Bird attracting. Attracts seed-eating birds and provides cover for small lizards. Lowland plants are taller, with strongly flattened stems; plants from higher altitudes are smaller with less flattened stems.
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
Small seed, in tall, finely branched seed heads. As seed matures, seed heads change from green to light brown. Seed is released within 3-14 days of seed maturity. When the seed is ripe, it will fall when the seed heads are rubbed between your fingers. Cut stalks with secateurs to collect.
Seed Storage Life
Several years at room temp.
Seed Treatment Notes
May have 2-3 month after ripening period. Surface sow. Optimum temp 15-25°C. Water well. Suitable for direct seeding.