Scientific Name: Rytidosperma fortunae-hibernae Endemic Having a natural distribution confined to a particular geographic region

Common Name: luck-of-the-irish wallabygrass

Family Classification (Clade): Monocots

Family: Poaceae

Form Description: Erect, tufted perennial grass growing from a short rhizome.

Flowers: Spikelets up to 11mm long, 3-4 flowered, florets about two-thirds as long as bracts.

Fruit: Caryopsis

Municipality
Huon Valley
Plant Communities
Alpine and Sub-alpine VegetationGrassland
Habitat Notes

Occurs in highland areas, on the west coast, Central Highlands and Mt. Field at 650-1450m altitude and in the south-west from 80m.

Site Tolerance

Exposed, Moist, Windy

Soil Tolerance

Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Well-drained

Frost Tolerance

Hardy

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 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