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Image Credit: Queensland Herbarium, D. Sharp CC BY
Scientific Name: Poa gunnii Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region
Common Name: gunns snowgrass
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Poaceae
Form Description: Very variable, smooth, tufted perennial grass, with in rolled or folded leaves up to 30cm long, and smooth, slender stems.
Height (m): 0.06 – 0.7
Flowers: Flower head 1.5-8cm long, bearing green or purplish spikelets.
Fruit: Caryopsis
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Common in sub-alpine habitats from 800-1400m altitude, but extending to near sea level in the south of the State.
General Notes
Cut back in autumn to promote new growth. Bird attracting: attracts seed-eating birds. Provides cover for small lizards. An important habitat and food plant for the endangered and endemic Ptunarra Brown Butterfly (Oreixenica ptunarra) in the Central Highlands. The female butterflies drop their eggs as they fly over the tussocks; after these hatch, the small caterpillars over-winter and begin feeding on the tips of the tussock in spring.
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.
Cutting & Division Information
Propagates easily by division of large plants.