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Image Credit:Jenny Jonkka – with permission
Scientific Name: Rytidosperma gracile
Common Name: graceful wallabygrass
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Poaceae
Form Description: Erect or bent tufted perennial with slender, finely ribbed stems.
Flowers: Spikelets usually 3-flowered, florets about two thirds as long as the bracts.
Fruit: Caryopsis
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
In heath or on the margins of rainforest on the west coast, Central Highlands, south-west between the Pieman and Gordon Rivers from sea level to about 700m.
Site Tolerance
Exposed, Moist, Windy
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Poorly-drained, Well-drained
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
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