Scientific Name: Rytidosperma caespitosum

Common Name: common wallabygrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Perennial grass forming clumps or tussocks.

Height (m): 0.2 – 0.9

Flowers: Spikelets 4-7-9 flowered, green or tinged purple, bracts exceeding florets except for exerted awns.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayBrightonCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyDorsetFlindersGlamorgan-Spring BayGlenorchyHobartHuon ValleyKingboroughLatrobeLauncestonMeander ValleyNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasman
Plant Communities
Dry Eucalypt ForestGrassland
Habitat Notes

Widespread in open situations or light woodland in lowland areas and up to about 1000m. Drought tolerant.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Moist

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

General Notes

Rejuvenation occurs after burning, especially if followed by heavy rain. Wallaby-grass species are amongst the most valued native grasses in pastoral areas of Australia, due to their persistence, palatability and productivity. They produce high quality forage in winter and withstand seasonal grazing. Heavy grazing, however, prevents flowering and damages tussocks, allowing an increase of exotic annual species in the pasture. Light grazing in spring and summer (after seed production) is possible. Cannot compete with exotic pasture species and slowly dies out in these situations, responds well to increased soil fertility levels. It provides valuable green pick after summer rains. Bird attracting: attracts seed-eating birds. Tussocks provide habitat for native ground-dwelling reptiles. Has been known to spread well with occasional mowing.

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

Seed heads turn from green to off-white and dry out as seed ripens. Should release from heads easily. Harvest by cutting stalks with secateurs. Rub heads between 2 rubber car mats to extract seed. Clean by sieving.

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

Long

Seed Treatment Notes

Some provenances, especially from inland areas may have 2-4 months dormancy. Seed is best sown on the surface of seed trays and covered lightly. Most species have best results between 15-25°C. Some Rytidosperma germinate quite quickly if sown as soon as ripe. Suitable for direct seeding.

Germination Time

2-3 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Can be grown from transplants.