Scientific Name: Rytidosperma dimidiatum

Common Name: variable wallabygrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Slender, erect or bent perennial grass with stems very slender, smooth below, finely-ribbed above with 2 to 4 nodes.

Height (m): 0.12 – 0.55

Flowers: Panicle with 4-20 spikelets, spikelets 4-7 flowered, bracts greenish with wide purple margins.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Break O’DayCentral HighlandsCircular HeadClarenceDerwent ValleyGlamorgan-Spring BayHobartHuon ValleyKingboroughNorthern MidlandsSorellSouthern MidlandsTasmanWest Coast
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationGrassland
Habitat Notes

Occurs in open situations from sea level to 1150m on the east coast, Midlands, Central Highlands, west coast, north-east, Ben Lomond, south-west.

Site Tolerance

Dry, Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Sandy, Well-drained

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