Scientific Name: Poa rodwayi

Common Name: velvet tussockgrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Green or greyish-green tussock grass, with tightly rolled leaf blades up to 30cm long. Sheaths of basal leaves are straw-coloured and shining, upper sheaths green with short dense hairs.

Flowers: Panicles 3-15cm long, loosely contracted, later spreading.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonBurnieCentral HighlandsClarenceDerwent ValleyDorsetFlindersGeorge TownGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKentishKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWaratah-WynyardWest CoastWest Tamar
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Common in dry open habitats under light eucalypt cover, most common in lowland areas, near sea level to 1300m altitude.

General Notes

Very hardy, and tolerant of drought, but enjoys ample water. Cut back in autumn to promote new growth. Bird attracting: attracts seed-eating birds. Provides cover for small lizards.

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, Division

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.