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Ney SOUTH WALES.
A
MANUAL OF THE GRASSES
OF
NEW SOUTH WALES.
BY
J. H. MAIDEN,
GOVERNMENT BOTANIST AND DIRECTOR OF THE BoTANIC GARDENS, SYDNEY.
(WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.)
By Authority of the Minister for Mines and Agriculture,
SYDNEY: WILLIAM APPLEGATE GULLICK, GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
1898.
[4s. 6d. ]
10083 a
¥
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RAT ATEY LAER MAS OR POLIS
CONTENTS.
INTRODUCTORY ..- at . semialatum.
Series iii.— Paspaloidee.
Panicum flavidum.
PR gracile.
> helopus.
a distachyum.
ss reversum.
Series iv.—Echinochloe.
Panicum crus-galli.
Series v.—Myuroidee.
Panicum indicum.
Series vi.—Paniculate.
* Panicum foliosum.
4e adspersum.
at ee uncinulatum.
n repens.
andes pygmaeum.
a ays marginatum.
leg ees obseptum.
pee OTe. bicolor.
o> ae melananthum.
Fag opis effusum.
a AA Mitchelli.
fs decompositum.
ERT Pe: trachyrhachis.
. prolutum.
4. Oplismenus compositus.
& setarius.
5. Setaria glauca.
5 macrostachya.
7. Pennisetum compressum.
8. *Cenchrus australis.
9. Chameraphis spinescens.
x * paradoxa.
13. Spinifex hirsutus.
* 5 paradoxus.
Tribe II.—ANDROPOGONES.
Sub-tribe I.—Zoysiez.
14. Zoysia pungens.
15. Lappago racemosa.
16. *Neurachne alopecuroides.
* B Mitchelliana.
= ss Munroi.
17. Perotis rara.
Sub-tribe II.—Rottboelliez.
19. *Hemarthria compressa.
Sub-tribe IV.—Euandropogonee.
24. Heteropogon contortus.
25. *Ischaemum triticeum.
* australe.
ciliare.
pectinatum.
= laxum.
27. R Arthrasxon ciliare.
28. *Pollinia fulva.
16
29. Andropogon— 30. Imperata arundinacea.
Section i—Gymnandropogon. 31. Chrysopogon Gryilus.
* Andropogon erianthoides. parviflorus.
" sericeus. 32. Sorghum halepense.
* 4 affinis. ” plumosum.
it pertusus. 33. Anthistiria ciliata.
- intermedius. - an avenacea.
et ‘9 membranacea.
Section ii.—Cymbopogon. 34. a Apluda ee
* Andropogon bombycinus. an
+ refractus. Sub-tribe V.—Tristeginez.
mM lachnatherus. 35. Arundinella nepalensis.
B. POACEZ,
Tribe IV.—PHALARIDEZ.
38. Leersia hexandra. 44. Alopecurus geniculatus.
40. R+ Potamophila parviflora. 47. ws ochloe redolens.
42. Microlena stipoides. zy rariflora.
43. *Tetrarrhena juncea.
Tribe V.—STREPTATHER 2.
Sub-tribe I.—Stipacez. 55. Deyeusia Forstert.
48. Aristida— Billardieri.
Section i—Arthatherum. a + plebez a.
ee stipoides. cae montana.
a arenaria. *% 2 as driseta.
= Srigida.
Section 1i.— Chetaria. * 4 scabra.
* Aristida Behriana. ee nivalis.
* ,, leptopoda. By iy breviglumis.
= * vagans. Sub-tribe III.—Avenacez.
eS nes ramosa. 56. Aira caryophyllea.
Le calycina. 59. Deschampsia cespitosa.
prs depressa. 60. Trisetum subspicatum.
49, *Stipa elegantissima. 62. *Amphibromus Neesii.
R ,, Lucker. 63. * Anisopogon avenaceus.
a micrantha. 64. Danthonia—
ate? Jlavescens. Section iimMicrathera.
gure? SeUIEEG. * Danthonia paradoxa.
», semibarbata. mae
* | pubescens. Res ces ii.—Monachathera.
* |. aristiglumis. Mecekodas bipartita.
* | scabra. by carphovdes.
Section iii.—Enudanthonia.
Sub-tribe II.—Agrostidez. PL se pallida.
51. *Pentapogon Billardiert. A longifolia.
58. Dichelachne crinita. e 4s robusta.
sciurea. es racemosa.
54. Agrostis Muelleri. 5 pilosa.
& scabra. 5 semiannularis.
» venusta. pauciflora.
75.
76.
79.
. *Hriachne aristidea.
17
Tribe VLI.—ASTREPTS.
Sub-tribe I—Pappophoree.
. *Amphipogon strictus.
. Echinopogon ovatus.
- En oR naar: nigricans.
avenaceum.
; * Astrebla pectinata.
* » triticoides.
R* var. elymoides.
: * Triraphis mollis.
ie va microdon.
, a todia Mitchelli.
* irritans.
Sub-tribe II.—Chloridez.
. Cynodon dactylon.
. *OChloris acicularis.
* 4, truncata.
* 4, ventricosa.
R* ,, scartosa.
. Hleusine egyptiaca.
indica.
* Leptochloa subdigitata.
chinensis.
Diplachne lolitformis.
‘5 Susea.
Sub-tribe III.—Miliez.
. Sporobolus virginicus.
3 indicus.
2 diander.
5 pulchellus.
* a Lindleyz.
* actinocladus.
Teaeine australis.
bs 33 pallida.
* < mucronata.
* “ obtusa.
92.
93.
94.
96.
98.
99.
Sub-tribe 1V.—Festucacee.
. *Ectrosia leporina.
. Phragmites communis.
. Distichlis maritima.
. R Elytrophorus articulatus,
. Lragrostis—
Section i.—Chaunostachya.
Eragrostis tenella.
rs nigra.
* 3 megalosperma.
3 pilosa.
* a leptostachya.
Section ii.—Megastachya.
* Eragrostis diandra.
es Browni.
S 3 laniflora.
* = eriopoda.
* Be chetophylla.
Section iii.—Cylindrostachya.
* Eragrostis lacunaria.
* 9 falcata.
Poa cespitosa.
* ,, nodosa.
* ., lepida.
Schedonorus littoralis.
*Glyceria Fordeana.
» _ Jjluitans.
ss », latispicea.
= 3 ramigera.
Bromus arenarius.
Festuca duriuscula.
Sub-tribe V.—Hordeacez.
ee seabrum.
Bs velutinum.
7 » pectinatum.
101. Lepturus incurvatus.
s cylindricus.
18
A—Panicacex.
Tribe 1.—PANICER.
Series i—1. Paspalum. 5. Setaria.
2. Eriochloa. 7. Pennisetum.
3. Panicum. 8. Cenchrus.
4, Oplismenus. 9. Chameeraphis.
1. PASPALUM.
Spikelets one-flowered, not awned, not callous at the base, in one
or two rows along one side of slender spikes, either forming the
branches of a simple panicle or rarely solitary.
Glumes three, two outer ones empty, usually membranous and
equal, or nearly so, the third flowering, of a firmer texture.
Palea within the flowering glume smaller and more involute.
Styles distinct, rather long.
Grain enclosed in a hardened palea and flowering glume, and free
from them.
Spikes two to five, usually distant. apie orbicular or broadly
ovate, obtuse, about 1 line long ... ee 1. P. scrobiculatum.
Spikes two, close together, or scarcely disdaat Spikelets ovate-
oblong, acute, or acuminate, 14 to 2 lines long .. . 2 P. distichum.
Spikes two or three, digitate or eae so. Spikelets ovate,
about 2 line long ... Cae : ve 3. P. brevifolium.
Spikes rather numerous, filiform. Spikelets narrow ovate, about
? line long i ee ies ' a 4. P. minutiflorum.
1. Paspalum scrobiculatum, Linn.
Botanical name.—Paspalum, Greek paspalos, one of the millets,
(paspale is a Greek word signifying “ finest meal”’) ; scrobiculatum,
Latin scrobiculus, a little ditch or furrow, referring to the outer glumes,
which are scrobiculate or furrowed.
Synonym.—P. orbiculare, Forst. (referrmg to the orbicular
spikelets).
Vernacular names.—Sometimes called ‘ Ditch Millet,” from the
situation in which it grows. Called “Cow Grass” in Queensland,
according to O’Shanesy. The “Koda Millet” and “ Hureek” of
India are varieties of this grass.
19
Where jfigured—Buchanan, Duthie, Church, Agricultwral Gazette
(N.S.W.)
Botanical description (B. FL, vu., 460).—Erect or ascendig,
attaining 1 to 2 feet, the Australian specimens glabrous, or rarely
with a few long hairs at the base of the leaf-blades.
Spikes varying from two to five, alternate, spreading, usually distant, 1 to 2, or
rarely nearly 3 in. long, the rhachis usually flat, and about 1 line broad, and
sometimes minutely pubescent at the base.
Spikelets sessile or shortly pedicellate in two close rows, or rarely in part, at least,
of the spike, crowded into three or four rows, ovoid-orbicular, obtuse, flat,
about | line long when in fruit.
Outer empty glumes thinly membranous, with a prominent midrib, sometimes
minutely pubescent.
Fruiting glume similar in shape but soon hardened, very finely striate, the central
nerve visible only in the young state.
Palea hardened like the flowering glume, the inflected margins dilated at the base
into broad hyaline auricles enveloping the flower.
Botanical notes.—* All or nearly all the Australian specimens
belong to the variety still distinguished by some as a species under
Forster’s name orbiculare, usually a more slender plant, with smaller
spikelets, the rhachis often pubescent at the base, and the outer
glumes scarcely or not at all scrobiculate. ‘The marginal indentures
and the intermediate nerves between the midrib and the marginal ones
of the typical P. scrobiculatwm are chiefly prominent in cultivated
varieties.” (B. F'l.)
Value as a fodder.—A long, rather coarse grass, which not only
grows on poor land, but also on swampy ground. In warm, moist
situations 1t forms a great bulk of nutritious fodder, but it is coarse
and fibrous when old. In tropical climates it sometimes becomes a
weed in cultivated land, but it is less noxious in this respect im our
climate. It will stand close feeding. Duthie states that it is culti-
vated as a rainy-season crop throughout the plains of India and at
low elevations on the Himalaya. It is there usually sown on the
poorer kinds of soil, and the straw is used as fodder.
This grass sometimes deleteriows.—Cases of poisoning are occasion-
ally met with in India through the use of this grain as an article of
food. The symptoms are the same as those caused by the Huropean
Darnel (Loliwm temulentwm). According to popular belief there
are two kinds, the sweet or non-poisonous, and the poisonous
(Dymock).
In the same country this grass, called “ Hureek,’ and perhaps
identical with Ghohona grass, is said to render the milk of cows that
graze upon it narcotic and injurious. Rosenthal pronounces it per-
nicious perhaps only when long and exclusive use is made of it. A
probable cause of the deleterious properties is the liability of the
grain to ergotism.
Fungi recorded on this grass.—Cerebella paspali, Cke. and Mass.,
and Ustilago Cesatii, Waldh. .
20
Other uses.—A good variety of this grass (“ Koda Millet”) is used
in India as a food-grain by the poorer classes. The composition of
“Koda Millet” (husked), is as follows :—
In 100 parts. In 1 Ib.
oz. gr.
Water ass +F pS 35 bee fs aie7 i. 382
Albuminoids : ea: ase rs a 70 es 1 22
Starch Bs oes ee ae oe ee ice coat A et
Oil be Ss e ey ise as 722 | 0 147
Fibre — 8 abs kA an 07 O 49
Ash 13 0 91
(Church.)
This grass is much used by the Fijians for strewing the floors of
their houses and public buildings. (Seemann.)
Hatitat and range.—Port Jackson to the Tweed, and westward as
far as the Blue Mountains; also in New England and the other table-
lands. Frequents damp places. Found also in Queensland and
Northern Australia. Common in tropical and sub-tropical Asia and
Africa ; also in the Pacific Islands and New Zealand.
2. Paspalum distichum, Linn.
Botanical name.—Distichum, Latin, consisting of two rows, applied
(amongst other things), to the arrangement of grains in an ear of
barley, having the spikelets in two rows.
Synonym.—P. littorale, R. Br.
Vernacular names.—‘‘ Silt Grass” is the name adopted by Baron
von Mueller. “ Water Couch” is another name. “ Sea-side Millet ”
is the name for the coast form. Knot-grass and Joimt-grass of the
United States.
Where jfigured—Buchanan, Flint, Ilust. North American Grasses,
Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F\., vii, 460).—Stems often creeping and
rooting in the sand to a great extent, the ascending extremities varying
from short and entirely covered with the leaf-sheaths, to slender,
1 foot long or more, with the leaves distant.
Leaves either linear-lanceolate and flat or involute and almost subulate, glabrous, or
with a few long hairs at the orifice of the sheath and base of the lamina.
Spikes two, close together, or the lowest at a distance of 1 or 2 lines, quite glabrous,
the rhachis not above 3 line broad.
Spikelets sessile in two rows, oval-oblong, acute or acuminate, flat, 14 to nearly 2 lines
long.
Outer empty glumes equal and distinctly three-nerved.
Fruiting glume hardened and very faintly three-nerved, or the central nerve alone
perceptible.
Botanical notes.—Bailey separates P. littorale from P. distichum, as
a variety. Both are united in the Flora Australiensis. It is doubtful
whether the normal species is truly indigenous in New South Wales.
In any case it thrives remarkably well in the Colony. Bailey observes
that the two forms preserve their characters when grown side by side.
The normal form (“Silt Grass’) will not, he observes, stand the least
salt-water. The variety littorale (“ Sea-side Millet”) “ has the same
21
running underground stems as the normal species, but it differs in its
narrower leaves, erect stems, and in being only met with in coast
swamps. It thrives best in brackish swamps.”
Value as a fodder.—Although not a forage-plant of the highest
class, it is valuable because it supplies nutritious food for stock in
damp, muddy localities, where valuable grasses are not usually found.
Its creeping, joint-rooting habit enables it to stand close feeding.
O’Shanesy says the kangaroo is particularly fond of it.
That it will endure such a cold situation as Walcha (New England)
shows that it need by no means be confined to the warmer coast
districts.
Mr. A. R. Crawford writes: ‘‘ It is becoming quite a common grass
on the table-land. I noticed it five years ago in the town of Walcha
(3,500 feet). It is nowall over the town. ‘Twenty years ago I intro-
duced it on our station (Cunderang, on the eastern slopes). It is now
to be found in many places along the river. It makes a rough-looking
but valuable hay, much esteemed on the Macleay River. I have seen
a horse leave corn and chaff in his manger to eat hay made of this
grass. For pasture it is one of the most fattenmg kinds.”
This grass has been so carefully studied in the United States that
the experience of American observers in regard to it is especially
valuable.
For example, “ Several species of Paspalum have received attention
in the South as being useful pasture grasses, and very durable from
their creeping and rooting habit. P. distichwm is one of these species.
It grows principally in low, moist ground. Its stems and culms are
mostly prostrate and running, sending up here and there a few flower-
bearing culms.”
Mr. W. A. Sanders, of California, writes: “ Are you aware of the
value of P. distichwm for seeding pond-holes that dry up, or nearly so,
in autumn? Such ponds are usually spots of bare, stinking mud, but
when well set to this grass will yield all the way up to 80 tons (in the
green state) of autumn feed for stock, especially valuable for cows
first, then follow with sheep till every vestige is devoured. Surely
it has an immense food value in such places.” (Vasey.)
* Joint grass is adapted to warm, moist, alkaline soils, and in New
Mexico is most abundant in low lands that are flooded occasionally,
and upon the ditch-banks late in theseason. In this latter place it is
more or less of a nuisance, though possibly of some little value as a
soil-binder. So far as I am able to state, it is not used as a pasture
grass or as a hay crop. It is cut by the Mexicans much as Barnyard
grass (Panicum crus-galli), and other grasses, to be fed green to
stock before corn has matured. Its nutritive ratio of 1 to 16°7 indi-
cates that it is not a very valuable feed, and its manner and place of
growth are not such as to make it a desirable grass to cultivate.”
(Some New Mexican Forage Plants, Bulletin No. 18, p. 63.)
Having enumerated some of its good qualities, we must not forget
that it is not without drawbacks. It mats together, and to such an
extent does this sometimes occur on land prepared for crops, that
farmers have the greatest difficulty in ploughing through it. It often
22
fills the gutters, as Sydney suburban, and other municipalities know
to their cost. It turns blackish on drying, which is a drawback to its
use for hay. Mr. Seccombe, who made many experiments with native
grasses on the Richmond River, does not look with favour on this
grass ; in fact, he advises discontinuance of its cultivation. He remarks
that its growth starts late in the spring and ceases early in the autumn.
Other wses.—The rhizome is used in India as a medicine for inflam-
mation of the gums and against conjunctivis, and in the Argentine
Republic for liver complaint (Hackel) ; also for kidney troubles and
gonorrhoea (Some New Mexican Forage Plants).
It has considerable value as a soil or river-bank binder, and, as
regards the coast form, as a sand-binder in addition. Some refer-
ences to its merits for binding soil have already been made. Kearney
says that on’ the beach (U.S.A.) he found sterile shoots 6 feet or more
in length, making excellent sand-binders. Lamson-Scribner says it
often does good service in binding soils subject to wash, and that it
can well be recommended for this use. Mueller recommends it for
fern-tree tubs to produce a green sward and some over-dropping
foliage.
Habitat and range.—Port Jackson to the Tweed, extending west to
the table-land. The var. littorale is found on littoral swamp-land and
wet bottoms among sandhills on the coast-line, and the species
generally in damp or swampy land. It also occurs in Queensland and
Western Australia. It is also widely distributed over the tropical
regions of both the New and Old World.
3. Paspalum brevifolium, Fliigge.
Botanical name.—Brevifoliwm, from two Latin words signifying
“short-leaved” (brevis, foliwm).
Synonym.—Panicum tenwiflorum, R.Br.
Vernacular names.—“ The short-leaved Paspalum” is a name that
may be coined.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii., 461).—Stems from a creeping or
much-branched base, erect, slender, 1 foot high, or rather more.
Leaves short, narrow, flat, the sheaths usually villous or pubescent, the ligula
scarious, jagged.
Spikes or panicle branches two or rarely three, digitate at the end of the peduncle,
filiform, 1 to 2 inches long.
Spikelets scattered along one side ofthe rhachis, on short curved pedicels, ovate,
rather obtuse, or almost acute, about # line long, sprinkled with short, fine,
appressed, silky hairs.
Empty glumes two, rather obtuse, nearly equal, thin, finely five-nerved.
Value as a fodder.—A small grass, having a creeping underground
stem, from which leafy tufts are sent up, the broad, tender foliage
affording good but short early summer feed, the flowerimg stems very
slender, and from 1 to 2 feet high. (Bailey.)
Habitat and range.—Ilt extends from Port Jackson to Queensland
and Northern Australia, mostly in the coast districts. It is widely
spread over tropical Asia.
23
4, Paspalum minutiflorum, Steud.
Botanical name.—Minutiflorum, from two Latin words signifying
small-flowered (minutus, flos floris).
Vernacular names.—Vhe small-flowered Paspalum.
Botanical description (B.F1., vii, 461).—A rather tall, glabrous grass
closely resembling at first sight the Panicum parviflorwm, R. Br., but
with the characters of Paspalwm and nearly allied to P. brevifoliwm.
Leaves flat, rather long and narrow, the ligula short, not ciliate.
Spikes or panicle branches rather numerous, filiform, alternate or the upper ones
clustered, 3 to 5 inches long.
Spikelets numerous, very shortly but unequally pedicellate, narrow ovate, rather
acute, about # line long.
Empty glumes two, nearly equal, prominently three-nerved, glabrous or the margins
minutely ciliate.
Fruiting glume acute, smooth, and shining.
Botanical notes.—Bailey remarks, “it might be called the autumnal
form of P. brevifoliwm.”
Value as a fodder—Gives good pasture and plenty of seed.
(Bailey.)
Habitat and range.—Ilt occurs ia damp land on our Northern rivers,
and along the Queensland coast districts. Widely spread over tropical
Asia.
2. ERIOCHLOA.
Spikelets 1-flowered, without protruding awns, with a callous
annular or almost cuplike base, articulate on a short pedicel, in one
or two rows along one side of the slender branches of a simple panicle.
Glumes three, two outer ones empty, usually membranous, equal or
nearly so, the third or flowering glume shorter, of a firm coriaceous
texture, obtuse, but tipped with a point or short awn not exceeding
the other glumes.
Palea within the flowering glume coriaceous and involute.
Styles distinct, rather long.
Grain enclosed in a hardened palea and flowering glume, and free
from them.
Spikelets usually above 14 lines long, the rhachis of the spikes and
main axis of the panicle pubescent or hirsute ... 223 Ee
Spikelets usually under 14 lines long, the rhachis and main axis
glabrous See See are 3 a Shs ee 28 2. E. annulata,
1. E. punctata.
1. Eriochloa punctata, Hamilt.
Botanical name.—EHriochloa, from two Greek words signifying
wool and grass, or rather, the blade of young grass (erton, chloe) ;
punctata, Latin for dotted, apparently from the annular disc at the
base of the flowering glume, which gives the inflorescence a dotted
appearance, accentuated when the annulus is (as it often is), of a dark
colour.
Synonym.—Both EH. punctata and E. annulata are included under
EH. polystachya, Humb. et Kth., in Mueller’s Census.
24
Vernacular names.— Early Spring Grass.” Everlasting Grass”
is an American name.
Where figured.—Duthie (as H. polystachya) ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B.F1., vii, 462).—An erect grass, attaining 2
or 3 feet; glabrous, except the inflorescence, and sometimes a slight
pubescence in the upper part.
Leaves rather long, flat or convolute when dry.
Spikes or panicle branches about five to eight, distant, erect, secund, the lowest often
above 2 inches long, the others gradually shorter.
Rhachis, as well as the main axis, pubescent or hairy.
Spikelets all pedicellate, but often rather close.
Pedicels 1 to 2 lines long, usually bearing a few hairs.
Spikelet ovoid, acute or shortly acuminate, rather above 14 lines long, seated on a
thick annular or almost cupular disk, articulate on the pedicel.
Empty glumes membranous, broad, and usually five-nerved, or the inner one rather
narrower and sometimes only three-nerved, both more or less hairy outside, and
sometimes rather densely covered with long hairs.
Flowering glume much shorter, coriaceous, faintly three or five nerved ; obtuse, but
the midrib produced into a point or awn as long as the outer glumes, as in Pani-
cum helopus.
Value as a fodder.—One of the best pasture grasses of the Colony,
particularly of the coast districts, though it will endure considerable
drought. It grows freely, is succulent, and much esteemed by stock.
A good account of New South Wales experience with this grass
is by Mr. Seccombe, who experimented with it on the Richmond
River. He reported: “ This perennial grass is fairly plentiful, and
in sheltered situations in this district it maimtains some growth all the
winter. It grows rapidly from very early spring to late summer, and,
if undisturbed, reaches a length of 2 or 3 feet. It grows on various
kinds of soil. Under cultivation its growth is wonderful, as well as
its power of seed-producing. I took as much as six cuttings for seed
off my plot during the season 1894 to 1895. This grass has been
introduced to our district, no doubt through the agency of travelling
stock, for it can be found more or less on the old, much-used high-
ways. It is seldom seen to any satisfaction in open situations, as
stock and padamelons keep it cropped very close. This close
clipping has given rise to frequently-expressed ideas that Hriochloa
punctata banishes Mullumbimby Couch [Kyllingia monocephala, a
great pest.—J.H.M.]. It is a grass, I feel confident, our dairy-
farmers should introduce to their holdings; it has great vitality,
unquestionable milk and butter qualities, as well as the invaluable
property of rapid reproduction.”
I also quote a valuable report on it from the United States, of which
country it is also a native :—
“Trrigated but uncultivated fields usually produce an abundant crop
of the above grass each season. After the corn is ‘laid by,’ or during
what little ramy weather we have in the summer, this grass appears
in the cornfields, along the ditch-banks and in the fence-rows, and
makes a very rapid growth during the hot days of August and
September. It occasionally does considerable damage as a weed in
the Alfalfa (Lucerne) fields.
25
“Tt produces many culms from each stool, many broad green leaves,
and abundance of seed, and will reseed the ground each year. Land
once seeded with it would produce a crop of fair hay after a crop of
wheat has been taken off, provided the wheat stubble be turned under
and the land irrigated. It is generally associated with Panicwm
erus-galli and P. colonum.
“No grass, however good it may be, is grown for hay or pasture
in this section, since Alfalfa supplies these demands; so it is not
customary to cut this one for hay except when it appears as a weed in
the Alfalfa fields. But the occasional lack of water would seem to be
the only good reason why a crop of hay might not be cut from the
fields that le idle during the latter half of the season. Quite a good
deal of it is cut by the Mexicans, and fed green to stock while waiting
for corn to mature.
“The grass is a native of this south-western arid section, being
reported from Kansas, Colorado, Texas, and New Mexico, notably
from the creek bottoms of this territory. The nutritive ratio of 1 to
9-3 is narrower than in the case of Timothy hay of the eastern States,
and so far as can be judged from the analysis, it should be a valuable
forage plant.” (Some New Mewxican Forage Plants, Bulletin No. 18,
March, 1896, p. 64.)
Habitit and range.-—Found on every kind of soil and widely spread
as H. annulata, being common in the tropics of both the New and Old
World and New Guinea. It occurs in all the colonies except Tasmania.
2. Eriochloa annulata, Kunth.
Botanical name.—Annulata, Latin annulus, a rmg; in allusion to
the annular callus or ring-like base of the spikelet.
Synonyms.—See H. punctata.
Vernacular name.—Harly Spring grass (Bailey).
Where figured.—Agric. Gaz. See H. punctata.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 463).—A smaller and more slender
grass than H. punctata, the leaves usually narrower, glabrous.
Spikes slender, 1 to 14 inches long, the main axis of the infloresence as well as the
rhachis usually glabrous, the pedicels sometimes bearing a few short hairs.
Spikelets narrow, tapering at the end, scarcely 14 lines long, including the point,
which is rather longer than in ZL. punctata.
Empty glumes much less hairy than in that species, three or rarely five nerved.
Flowering glume the same.
Variety acrotricha, spikelets rather longer, with long points and
rather more hairy, and the hairs of the pedicels more numerous, with
a few sometimes also on the rhachis (B.Fl.) Found from the coast
and table-land to the interior.
Value as a fodder.—This is a valuable grass, one of the best, and,
as already pointed out, closely related to H. punctata. In any case
the remarks on these two grasses may, from the point of view of the
farmer and pastoralist, be considered to be interchangeable. Mr.
Seccombe has experimented on the grasses, side by side on the Rich-
mond River, and following is his statement :—“‘ It is said that this grass
26
makes excellent hay. Like H. punctata, it has been introduced by
travelling stock, either from Queensland or our own open country at
the back. It is more plentiful probably than H. punctata, particularly
around Lismore, so that any settler could secure a few plants by seeking
some near the stone quarry. The grassis highly recommended to dairy
farmers for systematic cultivation, either for permanent pasture or to
eut for hay. Both the Hriochloas referred to in this paper are
sufficiently vigorous to force a footing in old pastures, the seed
springing into life from August to March.”
Habitat and range.—Same as the preceding species.
3. PANICUM.
Spikelets with one terminal hermaphrodite and occasionally a male
or rudimentary flower below it, rarely awned, variously arranged along
the branches of a simple or compound panicle rarely reduced to a
simple spike, the partial rhachis very rarely produced beyond the last
spikelet ; barren awnlike branches none, or very rarely a single one.
Glumes usually four, the outer one smaller than the others, not
awned, often very small, deficient only in P. gibbosum, the second and
third very variable in relative proportions, the third occasionally with
a palea with or without three stamens in its axil; fourth or fruiting
glume smaller, or as long as the third, of a firmer consistence, enclosing
a palea and hermaphrodite flower.
Styles distinct or very shortly united at the base.
Grain enclosed in the hardened fruiting glume and palea, but free
from them.
Series J.—Dicirariez.
Spikelets mostly in pairs along the outer and lower side of the
simple slender branches of the panicle, one of each pair always
pedicellate, the other sessile or on a shorter pedicel, the upper ones of
each branch occasionally solitary, the lower ones very rarely clustered.
Outer glume usually very small.
Branches of the panicle often numerous, the lower ones long and
verticillate, the upper ones scattered.
Lowest spikelet of each pair sessile. Spikelets 14 to 2 lines long,
more or less silky-hairy ... ..» 1. P. cenicolum.
Spikelets 1 to 14 lines long, more or “=e dee — .. 2. P. divaricatissimum.
Spikelets 1 to 14 lines long, not silky, but the lateral nerves on
the third iene ciliate with rigid hairs seatedon tubercles 3. P. macractinium.
Branches of the panicle few, three to eight, digitate or clustered at
the end of the peduncle.
Spikelets of each pair —- both mi acaesnaeyic or en:
ciliate 25 .. 5. P. sanguinale.
Branches of the sacle anced or ies ae ones ee a
lower ones rarely clustered, and not verticillate.
Branches, usually three, distant, 1 to 14 inches long. Spikelets
ovoid, about 4 line long.. .. 8. P. tenuissimum.
Branches often numerous, 2 to 6 ae noe Spikelets glabrous,
4 to 2 line long, the lower ones often clustered... .. 9. P. parviflorum
vei often numerous, 2 to 6 inches long. Spikelets narrow, pret
nearly 1 line long, silky-hairy bee aise a ae .. 10: Pi Banteyn
27
1. Panicum ccenicolum, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Panicum, Latin for a millet-like grain (indirectly
from panis, bread), some of the species yielding food-grains ; caenicolum,
from the Latin ccenum, dirt, filth, manure; colonwm, inhabitant, the
grass being commonly found near the droppings of cattle.
Vernacular name.—Mr. Koch informs me that, in common with
Pappophorum commune and some other grasses and small herbage,
this grass is called “ Kanta” by the aborigines of the Mount Lynd-
hurst district, South Australia.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 467).—Stems from a knotty branch-
ing base, ascending to 1 foot or more.
Leaves flat, usually softly pubescent or villous.
Panicle of rather numerous slender simple branches, 3 to 4 inches long, at first erect,
at length spreading, the lower ones verticillate, the upper ones alternate and
distant, or rarely in pairs.
Spikelets in pairs, one sessile, the other pedicellate, oblong, 14 to 2 lines long.
Outer glume not exceeding 4 line in our specimens, the second rather shorter than
the spikelet, five or seven nerved, the third seven to eleven nerved, both more or
less silky-hairy and empty.
Fruiting glume, smooth, acute.
Value as a fodder—Valuable as a lasting grass for moist meadows.
(Mueller.)
Produces a fine bottom, although the panicles are large, dry, and
spreading, and give it anything but an inviting appearance ; it is a
kind well worth growing.—(Bailey.)
Other uses.—Vhe grain, known as “ Power-tandra,” is eaten by the
aborigines of Mount Lyndhurst, South Australia.—(Koch).
Habitat and range.—In the more arid districts of this Colony, and
also of Victoria, South and Western Australia.
2. Panicum divaricatissimum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Divaricatissimum, superlative of divaricatus, a
Latin word signifying straddling or spread out, in allusion to the
spreading branches of the panicle.
Vernacular name.— Spider Grass.”
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 467).—Stems from a branching
base, sometimes under, sometimes much above I| foot high.
Leaves glabrous or more or less pubescent or softly villous, the ligula not prominent
and not ciliate.
Panicle of rather numerous rigidly filiform simple branches, 3 to 8 inches long, at
first erect, at length spreading, the lower ones in a dense verticil, the upper
ones alternate and distant.
Spikelets in pairs, or rarely solitary along the branches, one sessile, the other
pedicellate, 1 to 14 lines long, glabrous, or covered with long silky hairs,
spreading when in fruit.
Outer glume very small, ovate, obtuse, the second and third nearly equal and both
empty, or the third rarely with a minute rudimentary palea, the second usually
three-nerved, the third five-nerved.
Fruiting glume ovoid, not gibbous, glabrous, smooth, acute.
28
Botanical notes.—There are four varieties of this species :—
1. Glaberrimum.—Stems tall; branches of the panicle sometimes more than §
inches long, the whole plant glabrous, spikes 14 lines long, glabrous.
Hitherto only recorded from Queensland.
2. Normale.—Foliage glabrous, or nearly so, panicle branches 4 to 8 inches long,
spikelets 14 lines long, silky-villous, rarely nearly glabrous.
Coast districts of New South Wales; also Queensland.
3. Ammophilum.—Foliage softly villous, spikelets small, covered with long silky
hairs, spreading when in fruit.
Syn. : P. ammophilum, F.v.M.
Interior of South Australia and of New South Wales.
4, Radiatum.—Foliage softly villous, spikelets small, glabrous, or nearly so.
Syn. : P. radiatum, R.Br.
Coast districts of New South Wales; also Queensland.
Value as a fodder.—This variable grass is more widely diffused in
the drier regions, and it is not only a drought-resisting species, but it
yields palatable and nutritious fodder. It also seeds freely.
Habitat and range.—In all the colonies except Tasmania and
Western Australia. Adapts itself to a great variety of soils and
climatic conditions, from the coast to the dry country.
3. Panicum macractinium, Benth.
Botanical name.—Macractinium, from two Greek words, macros,
long, and actis, actinos a ray ; referring to the long rays of the panicle.
Vernacular name.—‘,Roly-poly Grass.” So called because its
panicles, when ripe, break off and are blown and roll about by the
wind. Hence it has got into bad repute, because of useless plants
which behave in a similar manner.
Where jigured.—Bailey.
Botanical description (B. F]., vii,468).—Allied to P. divaricatissimum,
but taller and quite glabrous.
Panicle similar, the slender branches rigid, often 6 to 8 inches long, the lower ones
in a dense verticil, the upper ones alternate and distant.
Spikelets distant in pairs, one almost sessile, the other on a longer pedicel, both
fertile and similar, narrow, acute, about 14 lines long.
Outer glume 3 to ? line long, ovate, oblong, obtuse, the second nearly as long as the
third, three or five nerved, the margins ciliate, the third rather longer, very
prominently three-nerved, ciliate, with rigid hairs proceeding from a row of
prominent tubercles.
Flowering glume narrow, acute.
Value as a fodder.—One of the dry-country grasses; grows in tufts,
and is nutritious. It is especially valuable in producing a quantity of
palatable feed when young and green ; later on the natural hay is still
sought after by stock.
Habitat and range.—In New South Wales and Queensland, from
the coast to the interior.
“ Although it is often found on rich downs country, it is often met
with on the poorest sandy ridges.” (Bailey.}
29
4. Panicum sanguinale, Linn.
Botanical name.—Sanguinale, Latin, “ belonging to blood”; hence
blood-coloured, referrmg to the red or purple colour this grass fre-
quently assumes, especially on the approach of cold weather.
Vernacular names.—“< Summer Grass ”’ ; ‘‘ Crab Grass” of the United
States. Other names are “Finger Grass,” “ Hairy-finger Grass,” and
“*Manna Grass.”
Where figured.—Duthie, Vasey, Hackel, Trinius, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 469).—Decumbent and often
shortly creeping and rooting at the base, ascending to | foot, or rather
more.
Leaves flaccid, flat, usually pubescent, and sprinkled with long hairs, especially on
the sheaths, but sometimes nearly glabrous.
Spikes, or panicle branches, three to eight, crowded at the end of a long peduncle,
all from nearly the same point, or shortly distant, 14 inches to 3 inches, or in
some varieties above 4 inches long ; the rhachis slender but angular, flexuose,
scabrous-ciliate.
Sptkelets in pairs, one nearly sessile, the other pedicellate, oblong, rather acute,
about 14 lines long.
Outer glume minute, rarely above } line long ; second glume lanceolate, three-nerved,
from half to three-quarters the length of the spikelet ; third g/ume usually five-
nerved, glabrous, or slightly ciliate in the Australian specimens, empty.
Fruiting glume shorter, smooth,
Botanical notes.—Most of the Australian specimens have the glumes
glabrous, or nearly so. Some, however, have them more or less
ciliate with soft hairs on the lateral nerves or margins, which con-
stitutes the P. ciliare, Retz. (B. FI.)
Value as a fodder.—The ‘‘Summer Grass” is looked upon with
mingled feelings. In the early summer it springs up with sur-
prising rapidity, forming smothering tufts, which speedily cover
gardens, orchards, or any soil which is not repeatedly hoed over. It
is a very hight grass; that is to say, it possesses but little substance,
a load of the fresh grass shrivelling to very little. O’Shanesy says he
has seen it give 1} to 2 tons per acre, but does not state the weight
of hay. In this Colony it is not a favourite with stock, as they do
not eat it unless they are somewhat pressed with hunger. I have,
however, seen horses eat it often enough. It will be noted from what
follows that it appears to produce more valuable fodder in the Southern
United States than with us. Duthie states that the grass is much
used for fodder in India.
“Crab Grass is generally considered the best hay-grass of the
Southern States. It is never cultivated in the ordinary sense, but
comes up spontaneously on arable land after the cultivated crop is
taken off. Sometimes the ground is lightly rolled, but that is the
only preparation made for it. After a crop of corn or cotton, one, or
sometimes two, good catches of crab-hay are made on the land. On
account of its rapid growth, crab-grass is peculiarly adapted for its
functions as an after crop. In good soil, when favoured by sufficient
rain, it attains considerable size. At Mobile it was seen nearly 4 feet
30
high. It is a tender grass, and makes a sweet hay, but is slow to give
up its moisture, and, therefore, rather difficult to cure. When
allowed to get the better of the cultivator it becomes a troublesome
weed, but with ordinary care it is easily subdued. At Aiken I saw a
large lawn, quite a good-looking one, composed almost exclusively of
this grass.” (Kearney.)
“This is an annual grass, which occurs in cultivated and waste
grounds, and grows very rapidly during the hot summer months.
The culms usually rise to the height of 2 or 3 feet, and are bent at the
lower joints, where they frequently take root. At the New Orleans
Exposition there were specimens of this grass 5 ft. 10 in. long.
“Professor Killebrew, of Tennessee, says: It is a fine pasture
grass; although itehas but few base leaves and forms no sward, yet
it sends out numerous stems or branches at the base. It serves a most
useful purpose in stock husbandry. It fills all our cornfields, and
many persons pull it out, which is a tedious process. It makes a
sweet hay, and horses are exceedingly fond of it, leaving the best hay
to eat it.
«« Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says that the corn and cotton fields
are often so overrun with it that the hay which might be secured
would be more valuable than the original crop. It is sometimes
mowed from between the rows, sometimes cut across the ridges, and
with the corn.
« Although so much esteemed in the South, it is considered a pest
in the Northern States.” (Vasey.)
“The spontaneous growth affords excellent pasturage, as well as
hay of the first quality, if properly cured. It contains but little fibre,
and dries quickly when cut, but if after cutting it is wet by rains or
heavy dews its value for hay is almost entirely destroyed.” (Lamson-
Scribner.)
Other uses.—“It produces much seed, of which birds are fond.
The common method of collecting and preparing it in Germany is as
follows :—At sunrise the grass is gathered or beaten into a hair-
sieve from the dewy grass, spread on a sheet, and dried for a fort-
night in the sun. It is then gently beaten with a wooden pestle in a
wooden trough or mortar, with straw laid between the seeds and the
pestle, till the chaff comes off ; they are then winnowed. After this they
are again put into the trough or mortar in rows, with dried marigold
flowers, apple, and hazel-leaves, and pounded till they appear bright ;
they are then winnowed again, and being made perfectly clean by
this last process are fit for use. The marigold leaves are added to
give the seed a finer colour. A bushel of seed with the chaff yields
only about 2 quarts of clean seed. When boiled with milk and wine
it forms an extremely palatable food, and is in general made use of
whole, in the manner of sago, to which it is in most instances pre-
ferred.”” (Hortus Gramineus Woburnensis).
Habitat and range.—All over the colonies, except Tasmania and
South Australia, in all soils and situations. Occurs also in Hurope,
Asia, Africa, America, and the Pacific Islands.
31
8. Panicum tenuissimum, Benth.
Botanical name.—Tenuissimum, superlative of the Latin tenws,
thin or slender. The grass is a very slender one.
Botanical description (B.F1., vii, 470).—Erect, very slender, much
branched at the base, often above 1 foot high.
Leaves short and narrow, quite glabrous, the ligula short, scarious and jagged.
Spikes or panicle-branches few, usually three, filiform, spreading, distant, 1 to 14
inches long,
Spikelets in pairs, ovoid, quite glabrous, but little more than 4 line long, both pedi-
cellate, but one pedicel twice as long as the other.
Outer glume minute, almost microscopic, orbicular.
Second and third nearly equal, both empty, obtuse, membranous, three to five nerved.
Fruiting glume rather acute, usually slightly exceeding the empty ones.
Value as a fodder.—A palatable grass, which is probably nutritious.
Habitat and range.—Along the Northern rivers; also in Queens-
land.
9. Panicum parviflorum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Parviflorum, Latin parvus, small, and jlos, floris a
flower ; small-flowered.
Vernacular name.—Small-flowered Finger-grass.
Where figured.—Bailey, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B.F1., vu, 470).—A tall but slender usually
glabrous grass.
Leaves long and narrow, the /igula scarious, often long, jagged at the end.
Panicle-branches often numerous, spreading, simple, filiform, 2 to 4 inches or in some
specimens 5 to 6 inches long, the lower ones distant, the upper ones often
crowded.
Spikelets ovoid, glabrous, 4 to 3 line long, mostly in pairs along the flexuose rhachis,
one on a longer pedicel than the other; but in the lower part of the branch
often clustered, the longer pedicel bearing two or three spikelets.
Outer glume very small, ovate usually one-nerved.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, both empty, membranous, obtuse, the second
usually three-nerved, the third five-nerved,
Fruiting glume as long, more acute, smooth.
Value as a fodder.—A rather tall, slender grass, which is so eagerly
sought after by cattle that it does not usually mature seed, except in
sheltered situations. There is no doubt it is a valuable grass, and
attention has been drawn to it chiefly by Bailey and O’Shanesy. Mr.
Bailey (speaking of Queensland) observes that there are several forms
of it. “That on the dry ridges is somewhat wiry when in flower, but
makes a good tufty bottom. The tall form is usually met with near
watercourses and in rich scrub-land.”’
Botanical notes——Var. pilosa, more or less hairy. Common in
Southern Queensland, and very probably to be met with in Northern
New South Wales.
Habitat and range.—Coast district to the table-land, from North
Illawarra to Queensland.
10. Panicum Baileyi, Benth.
Botanical name.—Barleyi, im honor of Frederick Manson Bailey,
the well-known colonial botanist of Queensland.
Botanical description (B.F1., vii, 471). —A glabrous rather slender
grass of 1} to 2 feet, with the inflorescence of P. parviflorum, but the
spikelets rather of P. divaricatissimum.
Leaves flat, narrow, the /igula shortly prominent, scarious, not ciliate.
Panicle of several simple filiform branches of 3 or 4 inches, all distant or the upper
ones rather crowded, or the lower ones sometimes clustered, not verticillate.
Spikelets narrow-ovoid, rather acute, nearly 1 line long, mostly in pairs, one on a
much longer pedicel than the other, or in the lower part of the branch, the longer
pedicel with two or three spikelets.
Outer glume very small, ovate, one-nerved.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, fringed with rather long hairs spreading when
in fruit, the second usually five-nerved, the third rather broader and seven-nerved.
Fruiting glume acute, smooth, and shining.
Value as a fodder.—“Very near P. parviflorum in general appearance,
and, like that species, a good pasture or hay grass; it attains the
height of from 2 to 4 feet, and is plentifully supplied with leaves.
It is usually met with on good soil.” (Bailey.) Doubtless a nutri-
tious grass, but we require information in regard to New South Wales
experience of it.
Habitat and range.—Northern New South Wales and Queensland.
Szries IJ.—TRIcHAcHNES.
Spikelets silky-hairy, or fringed with long hairs, sessile, or shortly
pedicellate, clustered, or rarely in pairs along the rhachis of the
simple spike-like panicle, or of the two or few long erect branches.
Spike-like branches, few or spike single. Spikelets mostly clustered,
1 to 14 lineslong, the outer glume present, but small and often
concealed by the long silky hairs na 12. P. leucopheum
Spike-like branches few. Spikelets 2 to 2} lines long, fringed with
long hairs connected by a prominent nerve or membrane.
Glumes with fine points... a eit sie Bie ...13. P. semialatum
12. Panicum leucopheum, Humb. et Bonpl.
Botanical name.—Leucopheum, a Latinised form of two Greek
words (leucos, white, and phaios, brown), denoting a grey, or russet,
or brown dusky colour, in allusion to the appearance of the inflores-
cence.
Vernacular name.—“ Cotton Grass” of the United States. This
name is sometimes adopted for this grass in Australia.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
OTT
TATELSUSre sai icaneey
peau cauasaana bSQfHE) (28525 1025010 GR ELi a aATVCLERIQSSe A OMeUeNNen et ses aiTy
Panicum semialatum, R. Br.
‘““The Half-winged Panic Grass.’’
39
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 472).
Stems from a branching base, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves narrow, long or short, usually glabrous.
Panicle of few long slender and erect spike-like branches, very unequal, and some-
times reduced to two nearly equal ones, or toa single one, the longest 3 to 4
inches, or in some very lax Queensland specimens, 5 inches long ; secondary
branches short, slender, erect, the lower ones with four or five sessile or pedi-
cellate spikelets, the upper ones with only one or two.
Spikelets scarcely 14 lines long, rather acute, densely covered with long silky, silvery,
or purple hairs, often spreading when in fruit.
Outer glume scarcely } line long, obtuse.
Second and third glumes nearly equal and empty, both densely hairy, the second
usually three-nerved ; the third, five-nerved.
Fruiting glume shorter, smooth, rather acute, and often slightly gibbous at the base.
Botanical notes—Var. monostachyon, Benth. Spike simple as in
P. gibbosum, but the outer glume present. (Western New South
Wales.)
As observed by Bentham, the Australian forms of this species vary
much, especially in the degree of development of the inflorescence
and the size of the spikelets.
Value as a fodder.—A grass more particularly valuable for the
drier districts of the Colony as it is an excellent resister of drought,
and it produces a fair quantity of palatable feed. Like most other
grasses, it produces more favourable results with better soil and
increased moisture.
Other uses.—The fibrous under part of the leaf is peeled off when
young, and twisted with the fingers, as it is drawn off into a thread,
and used by Queensland aborigines to make twine. (H. Palmer.)
Habitat and range.—lIn all the colonies, except Tasmania, most
usually in the drier districts, but by no means exclusively so ; it is not
uncommon in the Queensland coast districts. It occurs also in
tropical Africa and America.
13. Panicum semialatum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Semialatum, half-winged, from the Latin, semi
half ; alatum winged, perhaps in allusion to the membranous outer
glume, which is about half the length of the spikelet.
Vernacular name.— Cockatoo Grass” of parts of Queensland.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vir, 472).—
Stems erect, 2 to 3 feet high, silky-pubescent about the nodes, otherwise glabrous, or
nearly so.
Leaves narrow, with involute margins or subulate, usually pubescent, the lower ones
sometimes densely clothed with long silky hairs.
Panicle 3 to 6 inches long, consisting of two to five long erect or slightly diverging
branches, clustered at the end of a long peduncle.
Spikelets 2 to 24 lines long, few together, in erect clusters or short branches along
the rhachis.
Glumes all ending in a short subulate point, the outer one membranous, three
nerved, about half the length of the spikelet.
Cc
34:
Second glume the largest, membranous, five-nerved, fringed on each side with long
pale or dark-coloured hairs, spreading in fruit, and connected at the base on the
intramarginal nerve.
Third glume more rigid, though thin, with a small palea, and sometimes three
stamens in the axil.
Fruiting glume more rigid, with a rather longer point, the palea also rigid, but the
inflexed margins thin, with a distinct lobe at the base on each side.
Value as a fodder.—A. strong-growing useful grass, much relished
by stock, particularly when young and tender.
Other wses.—Lumholtz found this grass, in Northern Queensland,
to form the principal food of white cockatoos. (Bailey.)
Habitat and range-—Extends from this Colony to Queensland and
Northern Australia, from the Liverpool Plains northerly and westerly
to the dry country. O’Shanesy says that (in Queensland) it indicates
a poor clay soil. It is also found in Africa, and in tropical Asia from
Ceylon and the Indian Peninsula to the Malayan Archipelago and
South China.
Reference to Plate.—a, Portion of a panicle; B, Spikelet, showing relative size of outer
glume ; c, Spikelet dissected, showing outer glume, second and third glume, and fruiting
glume with its palea; bp, Part of fruiting glume, tipped with a minute point, and
minutely transversely rugose.
Serres IT].—PaspaLomweEes.
Spikelets sessile or very shortly pedicellate, in one or two rows,
very rarely in pairs, along the short simple alternate, often distant,
spikes or spike-like branches of the panicle, rarely reduced to a single
terminal spike.
Spikes erect, several, distant. Spikelets usually sessile, glabrous in two close rows.
Spikelets oblique, 1 to 14 lines long, in close regular rows ; second
glume broad, gibbous ; third glume flatter, with a palea in its
apciils Pr:: Ae sn aie be. = re eo .. 17. P. flavidum.
Spikelets nearly straight, 1 to 14 lines long, the rows not always
regular, and sometimes very few in the spike; second and
third glumes nearly equal, both empty ... on alk xr
Spikes usually approximate, erect, or at length spreading. Spikelets
not so closely sessile, nearly 2 lines long, in two rows, and
frequently subtended by hairs or bristles. A broad palea in the
third glume. Fruiting glumes obtuse, with an awn-like point 20. P. helopus.
Spikes distant, at length spreading or reflexed. Spikelets alternate
along the rhachis, but not close, and appearing almost uni-
seriate. ;
Spikelets near together on a flattened rhachis ath wins ...24, P. distachyum.
Spikes reflexed, the rhachis flattened, ending in an awn-like point,
and a rigid awn-like bristle under the lowest spikelet... ... 25. P. reversum.
18. P. gracile.
17. Panicum flavidum, Retz.
Botanical name.—Flavidum, a Latin word sigmifying yellow, or
inclining to yellow, the “ear” being usually of that colour.
Vernacular names.—“ Vandyke Grass.” I recommend this local
name on account of having seen the large variety in great luxuriance
at Vandyke, beyond Springsure, Queensland. (Bailey.) ‘‘ Warrego
Summer Grass.”
Where figured.—Duthie, Trinius, Agricultural Gazette.
30
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 474). —
Stems erect, branching at the base, rather rigid, attaining 1 to 2 feet, or rather more.
Leaves acute, sometimes rather broad, but the margins involute when dry, glabrous,
except a few short hairs at the orifice of the sheath.
Panicle of several often numerous, erect distant branches or sessile spikes, the
lowest sometimes above 4 inch long, the upper one shorter.
Rhachis flexuose, slightly dilated.
Spikelets sessile in about two rows, in the typical form very oblique, ovoid, about
14 lines long, or rather more in several Australian specimens.
Outer glume very short, broad, and obtuse.
Second glume the largest, broad, several-nerved, very concave and incurved.
Third smaller, flat on the back, enclosing a palea large and broad in the typical
form, but no stamens.
Flowering glumes usually shortly acuminate.
Var. tenwior, Benth. Spikelets rather small, not quite so oblique,
the palea within the third glume usually very small, the fruiting
glume veryrugose. (Widely distributed over New South Wales; also
in Queensland.)
Value as a fodder.—This is undubitably a good grass, producing a
large quantity of nutritious, palatable feed, and yielding far more seed
than most species. It is not particular as to soil or situation. It is
especially valuable for the drier parts of the Colony. Bailey records
that it was stated to be the best fattening grass of the Warrego Dis-
trict of Queensland. Duthie states that it affords excellent fodder for
both bullocks and horses in India. Bailey speaks of the variety
tenwior as a small grass, the stems often prostrate from the weight of
seed. “‘It forms a good pasture, as besides the seed it gives a large
quantity of leaves.” (F.M.B.)
Other uses.—Said to be the cheapest grain grown, and will keep many
years without being eaten by insects. For this reason it is stored up
as a provision against years of scarcity and famine. (Duthie.)
Habitat and range.—From the Illawarra and Camden Districts and
Port Jackson to the table-lands and interior; also in Queensland. It
extends over tropical Asia.
18. Panicum gracile, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Gracile, a Latin adjective denoting slender or
weak, in allusion to the habit of the plant.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical. description (B. Fl., vil, 475)—Hrect, much branched
towards the base, quite glabrous, usually slender, from under 1 foot
to above 1} feet high, but exceedingly variable in stature and aspect.
Leaves from very narrow to rather broad.
Panicle usually long and slender, the branches or sessile spikes or clusters erect, dis-
tant, the lower ones 3 to 4 lines or rarely 4 to 1 inch long, the upper ones smaller,
oa reduced to short clusters or to single spikelets towards the end of the
panicle.
Rhachis of the branches often but not always produced beyond the last spikelet into
a point sometimes as long as the spikelet.
Spikelets singly sessile or in pairs, one pedicellate, the other sessile along the rhachis,
rarely more or less distinctly in two rows almost as in P. jlavidum, ovoid, 1 to
14 lines long, nearly straight.
Outer glume ovate acute, rather less or more than half as long as the spikelet.
Second and third nearly equal, both empty, membranous, and about five-nerved.
Fruiting glume as long or rather longer, minutely transversely rugose.
36
Value as a fodder.—A tufty, often rather wiry grass, but never-
theless palatable to stock. It grows in the poorest soils—almost pure
sand—as well as in good soils. In favourable situations it forms very
large spreading tufts, and forms really superior herbage. It is exten-
sively distributed in the Colony, and is worthy of every encourage-
ment. O’Shanesy testifies that it makes excellent hay.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania. It
extends all over this Colony.
20. Panicum helopus, Trin.
Botanical name.—Helopus, Greek helos a swamp, and pous a foot,
the grass growing in swamps.
Vernacular name.—The “ Kuri,” of India.
Where figured.—Duthie, Trinius.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 476).—
Stems usually rather tall.
Leaves lanceolate, often rather broad and cordate at the base, with loose sheaths,
usually more or less hirsute, especially the sheath, but sometimes nearly
glabrous.
Panicle of few simple branches, sometimes three to five, almost sessile above the last
leaf, sometimes six or seven on a rather long peduncle.
Spikelets irregularly alternate in two rows along the rhachis, or the lower ones
clustered and the upper ones more distant, ovoid, acute, nearly 2 lines long,
pubescent, villous, or glabrous.
Outer glume very short and broad, three-nerved, the second about seven-nerved, the
third about the same length, but narrower, five-nerved, with a palea in its axil
but no stamens.
Fruiting glume minutely rugose, obtuse, but the central nerve produced into a short,
awn-like point, not exceeding the empty glumes.
Botanical notes—The short, awn-like point to the fruiting glume is
its best distinguishing character (Duthie) ; and Bentham points out
that not only does it resemble Hriochloa annulata in this respect, but
the two grasses are somewhat similar in aspect. The spikelet has,
however, the outer glume developed, and is not seated on the peculiar
disc-like base of Hriochloa.
Value as a fodder.—This is a valuable, drought-resisting grass,
found in the drier parts of the Colony. Itisa useful, nutritious grass,
and Duthie observes that it is an excellent fodder-grass for both horses
and cattle in India.
Habitat and range.——In the interior of this Colony, and also in
South Australia, Queensland, and Northern Australia. Common in
tropical Asia and Africa.
24, Panicum distachyum, Linn.
Botanical name.—Distachyum,a Latinised form of two Greek words—
dis (twice) and stachys (an ear of corn). The spikelets are sometimes
approximate in two distinct rows.
Vernacular names.—“ Two-finger Grass” ; the ‘‘ Rockhampton: Hay
Grass’’ of Bailey.
Where figured.—Duthie, Trinius, Agricultural Gazette.
Panicum reversum, F. v. M.
‘“Reflexed Panic Grass.’’
37
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 478).—
Stems decumbent or creeping, and rooting at the lower nodes ; slender, and ascends
ing to 1 foot, or rather more.
Leaves flat, glabrous, or with a few hairs, especially at the orifice of the sheaths.
Panicle, a few (usually two to four, but occasionally six or seven) distant simple
secund branches, 1 to 2 inches long, at first erect, at length spreading or reflexed,
the rhachis slender or slightly dilated, often sprinkled with a few hairs.
Spikelets sometimes loosely alternate along the rhachis almost in a single row ; some-
times more numerous and approximate in two distinct rows, sessile or shortly
stipitate, ovoid, rather acute, 14 lines long, quite glabrous.
Outer glume scarcely half the length of the spikelets, thin, very broad, the margins
overlapping each other.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, prominently three-nerved ; a narrow palea in
the third.
Fruiting glume nearly as long, very obtuse, hardened, but the three nerves very
visible.
Value as a fodder.—A valuable grass, yielding abundance of nutri-
tious feed. A correspondent from the Wilcannia district refers to it
as a “sweet and hardy grass.” It is undoubtedly of great value for
the western as well as the northern districts. It is one of several
indigenous grasses tested at Gracemere, near Rockhampton (Queens-
land), and considered to be the best for hay-making. Bailey recom-
mends it to be sown with Landsborough grass (Anthistiria mem-
branacea) for the purpose of hay. O’Shanesy, also referring to
Queensland, remarks that it is of considerable value as fodder, but
that it must be sown thickly, as otherwise it grows too rank. Duthie
states that as a fodder-grass it is probably as nutritious as any of the
other Indian Panicums, but less plentiful.
Other uses.—It has been recommended for consolidating river banks.
Habitat and range.—In the drier parts of the Colony, principally ;
- also in South Australia, Queensland, and Northern Australia. Widely
distributed over Hastern India and the Malayan Archipelago.
25. Panicum reversum, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Reversum, Latin ‘‘ turned back,’ the branches
and the panicle being reflexed (bent or turned back) as shown in the
drawing.
Where figured.— Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 478).—A weak, glabrous, rather
glaucous, much-branched grass.
Leaves long and narrow.
Panicle usually of three or four simple distant branches, at first erect, but soon
spreading, and at length reflexed like those of P. distachyuwm.
Rhachis generally, though not always, dilated, produced into a rigid point beyond
the last spikelet, and bearing under the lowest spikelet a rigid linear bristle (an
abortive branch ?) as long as the spikelet.
Spikelets not numerous, alternate and distant along the rhachis so as to appear in
one row ; ovoid, oblong, fully 2 lines long in some specimens, rather under 2
lines in Drummond’s.
Outer glume three-nerved, obtuse, at least three-quarters the length of the spikelet.
Second and third glumes equal, many nerved, both empty in the spikelets I examined,
but F. Mueller found a palea in the third.
Fruiting glume hardened, as in the genus.
Value as a fodder—We know very little about the value of this
grass for fodder; but, as it is very easily recognised, perhaps friends
38
in the interior will keep it under observation. It certainly belongs to
a group which contains a number of fodder-plants known to be very
valuable to the pastoralist, and the appearance of this grass leads one
to the belief that it yields a fair quantity of tender herbage. Baron
von Mueller records that at the Murchison River, in Western Australia,
it attains a height of 3 feet.
Habitat and range.—An interior species; found im all the colonies
except Tasmania and Victoria.
Reference to Plate.—a, Portion of a spike, enlarged, showing the flattened rhachis,
which ends in an awn-like point, and the rigid awn-like bristle under the lowest spikelet ;
B, 0, Spikelet dissected, showing the outer and second and third glumes ; also the fruiting
glume and palea ; p, Spikelet, showing relative size of outer glume; £, Grain. Note the
characteristic way in which the spikes are bent back or reflexed.
Series 1V.—EcuHINocHLOz®.
Spikelets sessile and crowded in three or four rows, or irregularly
along the simple alternate, usually secund spikes or spikelike branches
of the panicle. Glumes sometimes awned.
27. Panicum crus-galli, Linn.
Botanical name.—Crus-galli (Latin)—crus, the shank, or that part of
the leg between the knee and what corresponds to the ankle; galh
“of acock.’” Name given froma fancied resemblance of the crowded
spikelets to the foot rather than the leg of a cock.
Vernacular names.— Barn-yard Grass” of U.S.A. Other American
names are “ Cock’s-foot” (not to be confused with Dactylis), “ Large
Crow-foot Grass,” ‘‘ Water Grass.”
Where figured.—Duthie, Vasey, Trinius, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F]., vu, 479).—A coarse, decumbent annual,
ascending to | or 2 feet, the leaves rather broad, without any ligula.
Panicle dense, and usually secund, of simple branches or sessile spikes, the lowest 1 or
2 inches long, the upper ones gradually shorter ; the whole panicle in some
varieties densely hispid with the long purplish or green awns.
Spikelets about 14 lines long, more or less pubescent, acuminate or awned, crowded
and clustered along the branches.
Rhachis usually bearing numerous cilia or capillary bristles amongst or below the
spikelets.
Outer glume very short and broad.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, and three-nerved, usually ciliate on the margins.
Second produced into a rather short awn.
Third in the common Australian form, with an awn varying from 3 to 1 inch, and a
thin palea, and very rarely a male flower in its axil.
Fruiting glume smooth and shining, without any or only a very short point.
Botanical notes.—The species with which this grass is most likely
to be confused is P. colonum, a tropical grass, which has been intro-
duced also into this Colony. The two grasses can usually be most
readily distinguished by the larger size and the longer awns of P.
crus-galli. The latter species is, however, exceedingly variable in the
matter of awns (“bristles”); sometimes they are quite short and
scarcely observable; sometimes great variation exists m the same
panicle. Some authorities unite them, but itis better to keep them
39
apart. Perhaps the two species hybridise, which adds to the difficulty
of the situation. P. crus-galli prefers moister situations than does P.
colonwm.
Value as a fodder.—lIt is a large, coarse, succulent grass, which may
be cut like Sorghum, as it produces great bulk of feed. It has shown
great adaptability to climate and soil, flourishing in most places which
are not too dry. It grows luxuriantly along river-banks, and will not
object to moderate alkalinity in the soil.
It is scarcely an exaggeration to say that, during the last few years
it has been sent to the Department of Agriculture for inquiry almost
as frequently as all other grasses put together. It has been sent from
the Coast districts, from the Dividing Range and table-land, and from
the Lachlan district. It may also be found in almost every suburb of
Sydney, usually at the edges of roads which have not been kerbed
and guttered, generally in damp places, and sometimes actually
growing in water. It often appears in freshly broken-up land,
rubbish-heaps, &e.
Although a recent introduction into many of the localities in which
it is now found, it is a real Australian native, although it is also found
in many parts of the world. ,
What is the explanation of its appearance in so many places during
the same season can perhaps only be guessed at, and it really does not
very much matter. It may have been distributed in seed sent by a
Sydney house.
All who express any opinion in regard to it are loud in its praises
as a nutritious grass, which produces an enormous quantity of feed.
It seeds sometimes at a foot high, but usually it is a much larger
plant, attaining a height of 6 feet and even more.
In Rajputana, India, Duthie states that it 1s considered a good
fodder, though not plentiful.
“ At the Hatch Experiment Station, in Massachusetts, U.S.A., the
crop of this grass was very uniform, averaging 7 feet in height. The
yield was at the rate of 11,207 lb. of straw per acre, and 66-7 bushels
of seed. When sown for silage or for soiling, at the rate of 1 peck
of seed to the acre, the yield was at the rate of from 15 to 18 tons per
acre. A field sown on 26th July, after a crop of hay was removed,
yielded 12 tons per acre. It is very much liked by stock, and is a
valuable forage plant for feeding green or for the silo. It is not so
well adapted for hay, as it is a coarse, succulent grass, and rather
difficult to dry.” (Lamson-Scribner.)
“In New Mexico it is found only as a weed on irrigated land, but
one which is not difficult to keep down. The Mexicans cut it and
feed it green while waiting for corn to mature.
“Opinion differs very much as to its value as a hay crop, some
saying that it is an entirely worthless and troublesome weed, while
others are as sure it is a valuable forage plant. In a moist climate it
would have the disadvantage of being hard to cure, but in New
Mexico’s hot sun no such difficulty need be experienced. A field
once sown to this grass would always supply a good crop of nutritious
hay, since it re-seeds itself. Sown with Hriochloa punctata and Pant-
40 &
cum colonum after the wheat crop has been removed, it would give a
crop of at least 2 tons of valuable hay per acre from land generally
left to the weeds. If cut just as the seeds were beginning to form
and thoroughly cured, such hay would be excellent to feed with
Alfalfa (lucerne), and, if properly mixed, the two would make a first-
class combination. A little corn added would produce an almost typical
ration.” (Some New Meaico Forage Plants, Bulletin No. 18, March,
1896, p. 65.)
The late Dr. George Vasey, in “ The Agricultural Grasses of the
United States,” says of the Barnyard Grass :—‘‘In the Northern States
it is esteemed as a rough coarse weed ; in the South it is often utilised
and considered a very useful grass. He quotes Dr. Charles Mohe, of
Mobile, Alabama, who says :—‘ It grows luxuriantly, particularly in
the lowlands of the coast, is greedily eaten by horses and cattle, and
makes a hay of good quality. It is justly regarded as an excellent
‘grass, particularly before it ripens its seed, as in the latter stages of
its growth the long and stiff awns of its spikes tend to make it some-
what unpalatable.’ He also quotes Professor Phares, of Mississippi,
who says:—‘In Louisiana, Mississippi, and some other States, it 1s
mowed annually. Some farmers assure me that they harvest 4 or 5
tons of hay per acre. It may be cut twice each season by making the
first mowing as soon as it begins to bloom. I know no one who plants
it; but it annually re-seeds the ground and requires no cultivation
or other care, save protection from live stock and the labour of
harvesting. Being a coarse grass, with long leaves and large succulent
stems, it requires care to make into hay. In one county of Missis-
sippi, hundreds of acres are annually mowed on single farms. Cows
and horses are very fond of it whether green or dry. Farmers who
have tested it most thoroughly for many years prefer it to the best
corn fodder.’ ”
Here is a Canadian opinion of it :—“ A tall coarse grass, producing a
great quantity of succulent feed, which is highly relished by stock.
It grows in low land and around dwellings throughout the country.
In the early stages of growth it is excellent and nutritious feed ; but
as it reaches maturity, in common with most grasses, it deteriorates
rapidly—indeed somewhat more rapidly than any other.” (Fletcher,
Bulletin No. 19, Central Experimental Farm, Ottawa.)
Mr. Fletcher also gives an analysis of a Canadian specimen of this
grass. The sample selected was in flower. Following is its percentage
composition :—
In fresh or green | Calculated to water
substance. free substance.
Water ate wie al A tec a sie 85°30 |) 2 eaapesrens
Ash... aoe ae noe SO a ee dss 1°64 11°16
Protein (albuminoids) ... ioe is ae aA 2°02 13°75
Fibre en eh eas Aysd se sts ae 4°48 31°09
Nitrogen free extract (carbo-hydrates) bee aid 6°25 41°87
Ether extract (fat) ba Ob ae sa aS “31 2°13
41
It will be interesting to compare these analyses with those of three
samples of grass of American growth, as quoted in Dr. Vasey’s
work :—
In fresh or green substance. Calculated to water free
substance,
nie Ze 3: a Ze 3.
Water® .:. Aa ae .--| 14:30 14°30 PASO IE See ae Pera h kas
Ashi: ae oe qe eee 5°98 13°37 10°13 6°98 16°07 11°82
Albuminoids a5 San oe 6°66 3°42 10°80 ela 3°99 12°60
Fibre fee uns bop aee| 24°78 26°68 21°69 28°91 31°13 25°32
Nitrogen free extract .. ...| 46°44 40°08 40°95 54°19 46°77 47°77
Fat ... don ee as on 1°84 MP7) P1183 25 2°04 2°49
100°00 | 100°00 | 100-00 | 100-00 | 100-00 | 100°00
* These samples were, of course, very much drier than the Canadian sample.
The percentages of total nitrogen, or non-albuminoids, and of
nitrogen as non-albuminoid substances, are also given, and at page 139
an analysis by Wolff of the ash of this grass is given, but it will be
sufficient to quote where they are to be found. The other analyses
quoted by Dr. Vasey are by Clifford Richardson.
Speaking generally, it may therefore be said that the grass arrives
at its greatest perfection in moist warm localities ; in colder climes it
gives less satisfaction. I have shown that it will grow in many parts
of our Colony, and I would recommend farmers to give every
encouragement to it for horse and cattle feed. It is too coarse for
sheep. An advantage of it is the freedom with which it seeds.
Other uses.—The grain is eaten by the poorer classes in India, and
is also used for making into “khir.” Duthie was informed that it
was frequently used in the Lahore district as a food-grain. Lamson-
Scribner alludes to a tall glabrous form, the seeds, which are produced
abundantly, being collected by the Mohave Indians of the United
States, ground into flour, and cooked for food. He also states that a
variety introduced from Japan has been cultivated at some of the
U.S. Experiment Stations, and treated as a millet.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania.
Perhaps truly indigenous only in the coast districts, but it is impossible
now to define the area. A common weed in most hot and some tem-
perate countries.
Series V.—Myuroipe#.
Spikelets not silky, crowded and clustered in a dense continuous or
rarely interrupted cylindrical spikelike panicle.
29. Panicum indicum, Linn.
Botanical Name.—Indicus—Latin, Indian—in allusion to the
country from which the grass was first described.
Where jfigured.—Trinius.
42
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 480).—
Stems decumbent at the base, ascending to 6 or 8 inches in the smaller varieties,
above 1 foot high in the larger ones.
Leaves narrow.
Spikelike panicle cylindrical, continuous or rarely interrupted, 4 to 1 inch, or in
some varieties 2 inches long.
Spikelets crowded, narrow, acuminate, and more or less curved, 1 to 1} or rarely
2 lines long.
Outer glume three-nerved, about half the length of the spikelet or rather more.
Second glume curved and gibbous at the base, often ciliate, seven or nine nerved.
Third glume the same length, but straighter and neither gibbous nor ciliate, with a
small palea in its axil.
Fruiting glume considerably shorter.
Value as a fodder.—This is a moisture-loving grass, and hence
valuable for cultivation or encouragement in very wet situations. We
do not know much about its fodder value, but it 1s probably nutritious,
like so many of its congeners.
Habitat and range.—Usually found in swamps and moist situations.
Extends from the Illawarra along the Coast districts to Queensland
and Northern Australia. It is also widely dispersed over tropical
Asia and Africa.
Serres VI.—PAnicuLatas.
Panicle-branches usually more or less divided. Spikelets all pedi-
cellate (except sometimes the first three species and a Queensland one,
P. inxquale).
Panicle-branches scarcely divided; spikelets few, rarely more
numerous, scarcely under 2 lines long ; no male flowers.
Spikelets nearly or sometimes quite sessile (species approaching
the Paspaloidec).
Spikelets 2 to°2} lines long, mostly distant along the branches 31. P. foliosum.
Spikelets rather under 2 lines, crowded on the lower part of
the branches in a compact panicle, second and third
glumes almost equal ... ee ae Pee ... 2. P. adspersum.
Spikelets few, distinctly pedicellate in a loose spreading panicle.
Spikelets 2} to 3 lines long, sprinkled with hooked hairs.
Fruiting glume close above the others ... an ... 84 P. uncinulatum.
Panicle narrow or spreading; spikelets numerous, | to near 2 lines
long; shortly pedicellate, not clustered ; glumes acute
or acuminate ; a male flower in the third glume. ... ae
Spikelets } to line long ; nomale flower ; diffuse or creeping ; panicle-
branches few, spreading; spikelets few and distant, ?
line long, on short pedicels ee ve sla .. 41. P. pygmeum.
Spikelets usually numerous, 1 to near 2 lines long, pedicellate; no
male flower.
Panicle narrow, branches usually few; fruiting glume densely
pubescent ... ah ba Bats ac Ld .. 44. P. marginatum.
Fruiting glume smooth and shining ; panicl2 1 to 2 inches long ;
spikelets about 1 line; outer glume ovate, acute ; leaves
glabrous : be cos ois ane ... 46. P. obseptum.
Panicle spreading, with numerous capillary branches.
Panicle-branches scattered, neither clustered nor verticillate.
Spikelets 1 line long, acute; outer glume acute; a palea
39. P. repens.
in the third glume __... ae ihe ane = :.. 48. Pibrcalor:
Spikelets 1 line long, rather obtuse; outer glume acute ;
no palea in the third glume... t ... 49. P. melananthum.
Lower panicle-branches clustered, but scarcely verticillate.
Spikelets about 1 line; outer glume acute, half as long as
the spikelet ; a palea in the third glume ; nodes promi- -
nently ciliate ; ligula a ring of long cilia ... fs .. 50. P. effusum.
Panicum adspersum, Trin.
43
Spikelets of P. effuswm, nodes glabrous, ligula very short ... 51. P. Mitchells.
Spikelets about 1 line, outer glume short, broad, truncate,
or scarcely acute, nerveless ; a paleain the third glume 52. P. decompositum.
Lower panicle-branches verticillate, outer glume nearly as long
as the others ; a palea in the third glume.
Ligula very short, with ring of cilia hd ads ... 53. P. trachyrhachis.
Ligula prominent, scarious, without cilia... i: ae 54. P. prolutum.
31. Panicum foliosum, R. Br.
Botanical name.—Foliosum, Latim for leafy or full of leaves,
descriptive of this grass.
Botanical description (B. F1., vu, 481).—
Stems 1 to 2 feet high, decumbent at the base.
Leaves rather broad, usually pubescent, the nerve-like margins often undulate.
Panicle loose, with few distant simple branches, the rhachis flexuose and slender,
the lower branches sometimes 2 to 3 inches long.
Spikelets few, distant, almost sessile or distinctly pedicellate, and the lower pedicels
sometimes bearing two spikelets, all above 2 lines long in the typical form,
ovoid, acute, pubescent, or glabrous. .
Outer glume about half as long as the spikelet, very broad, acute, with about seven
nerves.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, five or seven nerved ; a rather broad palea in
the third.
Fruiting glume minutely rugose without the point of P. helopus and its allies, but
usually with a short callous incurved tip.
Value as a fodder.—This 1s more a Queensland grass than a New
South Wales one, and I therefore quote the remarks of two Queens-
landers in regard to it :—
“ One of our most valuable perennial grasses, and admirably adapted
for resisting very severe drought. Cattle of every description are
fond of it. It delights in rich alluvial soil, where it attains a height
of 3 to 4 feet.” (O’Shanesy).
“A handsome, broad-leaved grass, found usually on broken land,
the borders of scrubs and river sides, or amongst rocks. Of straggling
habit, the whole plant clothed with short hairs; does not bear feeding
off, for stock destroy it by pullimg it up by the roots, it has so slight
a hold of the ground.” (Bailey).
Other uses.—It has been recommended for growth on river banks.
Habitat and range.-—Northern New South Wales and Queensland,
in the Coast districts.
32. Panicum adspersum, Trin.
Botanical name.—Adspersum—Latin for besprinkled, or scattered,
referring to the scattered hairs on the spikelets.
Where figured.—Trinius, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 481)—
Stems ascending to 1 foot or rather more, glabrous, except the ciliate nodes.
Leaves flat, rather broad and short, the sheaths broader upwards, prominently
ciliate. The lamina almost cordate at the base, with a very short ciliate ligula.
Panicle narrow, rather dense, 14 to 3 inches long, with several erect and slightly
spreading branches, all glabrous, without any, or with very few small cilia
under the spikelets.
Spikelets ovoid, rather acute, quite glabrous, 14 to near 2 lines long, crowded or
clustered in the lower part of the branches, singly sessile towards the end.
4A,
Outer glume one-quarter to one-third as long as the spikelet, rather acute, one or
three-nerved.
Second and third glumes nearly equal.
Second broad, usually prominently seven-nerved.
Third narrower, with about five nerves, and enclosing a long palea.
Fruiting glume tipped with a minute point and minutely transversely rugose.
Value as a fodder.—This is a leafy and free-seeding grass, and
doubtless produces a fairly bulky quantity of nutritious fodder. At
the same time the records and observations in regard to its value for
grazing are scanty in the extreme.
Habitat and range.—In the interior districts of this Colony and also
of South Australia and Queensland. Found also in the West Indies
(San Domingo).
Reference to Plate.—Aa, Part of panicle; B, Spikelet, showing the relative size of the
outer glume (which is three-nerved) ; ©, Spikelet dissected, showing outer and second
(the larger) glume, the third glume ; also, the fruiting glume and palea.
34. Panicum uncinulatum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Uncinulatum—Latin, signifying “beset with little
hooks,” referring to the rigid hooked hairs on the glumes.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 482)—Glabrous erect and much
branched, attaining sometimes 8 feet.
Yodes often much thickened.
Leaves flat, narrow, tapering into fine points.
Panicle terminal, loose and slender, consisting of few distant spreading simple or
scarcely divided branches.
Rhachis almost filiform.
Spikelets few and distant along the branches, usually purplish, 24 to 3 lines long.
Outer glume lanceolate, about half the length of the spikelet.
Second and third nearly equal, acutely acuminate, seven or sometimes nine nerved,
sprinkled with short, erect, rigid, hooked hairs ; a small palea in the third.
Fruiting glume smaller, quite smooth.
Value as a fodder.—A_ grass usually met with in mountain scrubs,
also amongst brigalow ; it forms large tufts or tussocks, and furnishes
in many places the principal scrub fodder both in New South Wales
and Queensland. (Bailey.) It delights in the seclusion of our dense
scrubs, where its wiry, perennial stems are found scrambling to a
length of 9 to 10 feet, and its foliage, though scanty, is tender and
nutritious, making a delicate repast for the mnumerable wallabies
and padamelons which inhabit those places. It is, perhaps, the
tallest of ordinary fodder grasses. (O’Shanesy).
Habitat and range.—In our Colony, in the northern Coast district,
extending to the interior. Found also in Queensland.
39. Panicum repens, Linn.
Botanical name.—Repens—LULatin, creeping, referring to the rooting
stems.
Vernacular name.— Creeping Panic-grass.”
Panicum pygmeum, -R. Br.
“The Pigmy. Panic Grass.’’
45
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 484)—
Stems from a creeping and rooting base, ascending to 1 or 2 feet, rather stiff, the
nodes glabrous.
Leaves narrow, more or less pubescent or hairy, or sometimes quite glabrous, ligula
short, ciliate.
Panicle narrow, with a few long branches, erect or at length spreading, the spikelets
shortly pedicellate, irregularly crowded on short secondary branches, with a
filiform flexuose rhachis.
Spikelets 14 lines long, glabrous, or the nerves of the glumes minutely ciliolate.
Outer glume less than half the length of the spikelet, acute, one-nerved.
Second and third glumes nearly equal, acute or acuminate, prominently three or five
nerved ; a male flower in the third.
Fruiting glume acute, smooth or minutely rugose.
Value as a fodder.—Duthie quotes Royle and Roxburgh as stating
that cattle are fond of this grass in India. Not much is known in
regard to its fodder value in Australia. It will grow well in shady
situations.
Other uses.—Lamson-Scribner asserts that it has no agricultural
value, but that it is a natural sand-binder, stating that upon the sandy
islands lying off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico it grows abundantly
upon the outside of the dunes, protecting them from the action of the
winds and waves.
Habitat and range.—In the Coast districts of this Colony, extending
to Queensland and Northern Australia. Found also in Victoria.
Common in maritime districts in Southern Asia, the Mediterranean
region, apparently in Brazil, also in the Pacific Islands.
41, Panicum pygmeum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Pygmxum—Latin, small or dwarfish. It is a
small grass.
Vernacular name.—The “ Pigmy Panic-grass.”’
Where figured.— Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 484).—A small species, creeping
and rooting at the nodes, ascending to about 6 inches.
Leaves rarely above 1 inch long, linear or lanceolate, ciliate, and usually but not
always sprinkled with long hairs.
Panicle short and spreading with a few capillary flexuose simple or slightly divided
branches.
Spikelets few and distant, scarcely 1 line long, obtuse, glabrous.
Outer glume very short, broad, truncate, nerveless.
Second and third glumes equal, three or five nerved, both empty.
Fruiting glume smooth and shining.
Value as a fodder—Probably small ; it is a dainty little grass which
forms a dense, short turf even under the shade of trees, and hence
valuable for such situations.
Habitat and range.—Coast district and Dividing Range from Port
Jackson northwards through Queensland.
Reference to Plate—a, Portion of a panicle; B, Spikelet, showing relative size of
outer glume, which is very short, broad, and truncate; c, Spikelet dissected, showing
small outer glume, the 2nd and 8rd glumes, which are equal in size, and 3 and 5 nerved ;
also the fruiting glume.
46
44, Panicum marginatum, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Marginatum—Latin, margined, referring to the
leaves, which are prominently margined (showing a pale edge or
margin).
Vernacular names.—I know of none; but, in order to distinguish it
from the large number of other Panic-grasses, the half-botanical, half-
vernacular name of “The Marginal-leaved Pamic-grass” is suggested.
Where figured.—Trinius (type, also variety strictwm), Agricultural
Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 485).—A rather slender but often
rigid grass, decumbent, branching and often rooting at the base,
ascending to | foot or more, glabrous except the cilia at the orifice of
the sheaths, and the rhachis of the inflorescence often slightly
pubescent.
Leaves flat, usually narrow, but exceedingly variable in size.
Panicle narrow, in the typical form 14 to 3 inches long, of few erect or scarcely
spreading simple or slightly divided branches. :
Spikelets irregularly crowded along the branches, or sometimes almost in a single
row, ovoid, obtuse, or scarcely acute, about 1} lines long.
Outer glume very thin, not one-third the length of the spikelet, one-nerved, or
faintly three-nerved.
Second and third glume nearly equal and similar, both empty, membranous, three or
five nerved, glabrous.
Fruiting glume rather short, slightly hardened, and densely silky-pubescent or
villous, as well as the exposed part of the palea.
Botanical notes.—There is also a variety strictwm, described by
Bentham in the following words:— Stems slender, rigid, much
branched, with very short narrow leaves, the panicle narrow, very
little branched, and sometimes reduced to a simple uninterrupted
spike.”
Bentham states, subsequently: ‘‘Some specimens seem to show
that the var. strictwm is rather an after-growth from plants that have
been cut down than a distinct variety.”
Whether extended observations should confirm that the cause is
cutting down by man or herbivorous animals, I would add that I
have specimens which show various stages between the normal species
and the so-called variety. At the same time, I think it would be con-
venient to retain the name for the variety, as extreme forms of the
species are very dissimilar in appearance.
As Bentham emphasises, the species is really known by the dense
pubescence of the fruiting glume, which has not been observed in
any other Panicum. Neglect of observation of this characteristic
may cause the student to stumble, as some other grasses resemble this
one a good deal in general appearance.
Bentham describes a coarse-growing variety of this species (majus)
which is found in Queensland, and might be looked for in the northern
parts of this Colony :—‘“ The stems are tall, with broad leaves 6 inches
long, the lower branches of the panicle 3 or 4 inches, and the spikelets
above 1; line long.”
Value as fodder—Though not a grass of the first rank as a fodder-
plant, I believe its value has sometimes been understated. I have
Panicum marginatum, R. Br.
‘ Ll. D. pauciflora.
1. Danthonia paradoxa, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Danthonia, in honour of M. Danthoine, a French
botanist (none of his works are mentioned in Pritzel’s Thesaurus).
Paradoxa, Latin, something unexpected. This species is of unusual
appearance for a Danthonia.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 591).
Stems 2 to 3 feet high.
Leaves long and narrow, glabrous.
Panicle very loose, 3 to 4 inches long, with long capillary divided branches at length
spreading.
Spikelets pedicellate, flat, three- or four-flowered, 3 to 4 lines long.
Outer empty glumes rather rigid, acute, 2 to 23 lines long.
Flowering glumes shorter, very shortly hairy or pubescent below the middle, the two
lobes shorter than the base, broad, shortly nerved, unawned.
Central awn not exceeding them, somewhat flattened and brown at the base as in
other species, but rarely long enough to show any twist.
Botanical notes—The almost glabrous spikelets haye much the
appearance of those of a Poa, but the structure is quite that of a short-
awned Danthonia (Benth.)
——————
135
Value as a fodder.—A wiry and rather rigid grass, cropped by stock
only when young.
Habitat and range.—Confined to New South Wales, and to the Port
Jackson district and the Blue Mountains.
2. Danthonia bipartita, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Bipartita, Latin, divided into two parts, in allusion
to the bipartite outer glume.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. FIl., vii, 592).
Stems from an almost bulbous often woolly base 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves flat but narrow, glabrous or sprinkled with long hairs.
Panicle almost reduced to a simple raceme of 3 to 6 inches.
Spikelets few, on short erect distant pedicels, or the lower pedicels shortly branched,
with two or three spikelets.
Outer glumes herbaceous, many-nerved, 5 to 8 lines long, tapering into fine points.
lowering glumes four to eight, scarcely exceeding the outer ones, the oblique base a
little more than 1 line long and broad, with a dense ring of long hairs under the
lobes.
Lobes narrow-lanceolate, very acute, unawned, 3 to 4 lines long, the central awn
scarcely longer.
Palea obtuse or truncate.
Value as a fodder—Useful as a tender-leaved and productive
perennial grass for arid country.
Habitat and range.—F¥ ound in all the colonies except Tasmania. It
is confined to the arid districts.
3. Danthonia carphoides, I'.v.M.
Botanical name.—Carphoides, Carpha, oidos (like), the inflorescence
superficially resembling that of Carpha, a genus of Cyperaceous plants.
Vernacular name.—Has been sent under the name of “ Wallaby-
grass.”
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl. vii, 592).
Stems from 3 or 4 inches to 1 foot high.
Leaves very narrow, not long, glabrous.
Panicle ovate, dense, 1 to 14 inches long.
Spikelets few, very shortly pedicellate.
Outer glumes 4 to 5 lines long, rather broad, with scarious margins.
Flowering glumes three to six, with a broad oblique base as in D. bipartita, the ring
of hairs almost broken into clusters.
Lateral lobes shorter than the base, the very fine awn scarcely exceeding them.
Value as a fodder—A useful fodder-plant, not of the highest
class.
Habitat and range-—Found in South Australia, Victoria, and New
South Wales. In our colony it extends from the ranges and table-
lands from New England south to the Macquarie and Murray. Rivers.
136
4, Danthonia pallida, R. Br.
Botanical name.—Pallida, Latin, pale, in allusion to the colour of
the inflorescence.
Synonym.—Danthonia penicillata, F.v.M. in Census.
Venacular names.—“ Silver-grass ” ; ‘‘ White-topped grass.”
Where figured.—Trinius ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 592).
Stems 2 feet high or more, often rigid, but not stout.
Leaves long, terete when dry, very narrow and sometimes as slender as in D. longi-
folia, the sheaths more or less ciliate at the orifice.
Panicle usually loosely branched, pale-coloured, 3 to 6 inches long.
Spikelets rather numerous, the outer glumes under 3 inch long.
Flowering glumes three or four, not exceeding the outer ones, with long hairs on the
back as well as on the margins, but scattered or in vertical lines, without the
transverse ring of D. semiannularis ; lateral lobes lanceolate, three-nerved at the
base, often scarious upwards, but the central nerve continued to the apex or
produced into a point or short awn.
Var. subracemosa, Benth: Panicle narrow, very little branched.
Marginal hairs of the flowering glumes copious, those on the back less
so than i in the typical form.
Northern rivers, New South Wales ; also in Queensland.
, Value as a fodder—A good grass yielding abundance of palatable
odder.
Habitat and range.-—Found in all the colonies. In New South
Wales from the coast districts to the table-lands.
§. Danthonia longifolia, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Longifolia, Latin, long-leaved.
Synonym.—Danthonia penicillata, F.v.M. in Census.
Vernacular name.— W hite-topped Grass.’
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 598).
Stems densely tufted, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves long and filiform, often rather rigid and curved, quite glabrous without any
cilia at the orifice of the sheath.
Panicle dense, pale-coloured, ovate or narrow, 3 to 4 inches long.
Outer glumes exceeding the spikelet, 4 to 6 lines long.
Flowering glumes three to five, very short, almost covered with soft hairs, the upper
ones very long, the two lobes broad and short, usually with long awns, very fine
as well as the longer central one.
Value as a fodder.—A good pasture grass.
Habitat and range——Found in Victoria, New South Wales, and
Queensland. In New South Wales it extends from the coast west as
far as New England and Wellington.
6. Danthonia robusta, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Robusta, Latin, strong, sturdy ; this grass bemg
large and coarse.
Vernacular name.— Ribbony Grass ” of Mount Kosciusko.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
137
Botanical description (B. FI., vu, 593).
Stems from a thick horizontal rhizome, stout, 3 to 5 feet high.
Leaves long, narrow, convolute when dry, glabrous, the upper one w th a long loose
sheath.
Panicle dense, rather secund, 3 to 6 inches long.
Spikelets pedicellate, about 4 inch long, five- to eight-flowered.
Outer glumes scarcely so long, the lowest rather obtuse, the second tapering to a
sharp point.
Flowering glumes densely ciliate on the margins, with very few hairs scattered on the
back, the lobes broad, tapering into short awns, the central awn long, flat, and
much twisted below the bend.
Value as a fodder.—This Alpine grass is tall enough to hide sheep,
and is a coarse, strong grass, but much liked in spite of its coarseness.
(Helms.) It reminds one somewhat of Blady Grass (Imperata), when
not in flower. Horses feed on it greedily.
Habitat and range.—Forms large patches of rich foliage, up to nearly
the very summits of the highest peaks in the Australian Alps of both
New South Wales and Victoria.
7. Danthonia racemosa, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Racemosa, Latin, “very full of clusters ;’? in
botanical language, racemose, having inflorescence in a raceme.
Synonym.—Danthonia penicillata, F.vy.M. in Census.
Vernacular names.—A. “ Mulga Grass.” It derives its vernacular
name from being only found where the Mulga tree (Acacia aneura and
other species) grows ; see Newrachne. ‘Bunch Danthonia.” (Bacchus.)
Botanical description (B. Fl. vii, 594).
Stems slender, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves very narrow, almost setaceous, glabrous, or sprinkled with spreading hairs.
Spikelets, in the typical form, singly and very shortly pedicellate, or almost sessile, or
rather distant along the rhachis of a simple raceme, but sometimes more
approximate, and the lower pedicels with two spikelets.
Spikelets narrow, erect, under 4 inch long, the outer glume nearly as long.
Flowering glumes 6 to 8, or more in some varieties, hairy at the base and margins,
glabrous, or with very few hairs on the back, but the hairs variable, the marginal
ones sometimes long in a dense tuft on each side of the lobes, sometimes in
several distinct marginal tufts.
Lateral lobes in the typical form broad, with short fine points, but more awned in
some varieties.
Var. obtusata, F.v.M. A smaller plant, leaves more hairy. Lateral
lobes of the flowering glumes with scarcely any points. New England.
Var. biaristata, Benth. Lateral lobes of the flowering glumes broad,
but with rather long points or awns. New South Wales, Victoria,
South Australia and Tasmania.
Var. multiflora, Benth. Spikelets often two together, and all
approximate. Flowers rather numerous in the spikelet. Hunter
River and New England, also Queensland and South Australia.
Value as a fodder—aA grass widely distributed over Australia m
one or other of its forms. It is one of the best of the Danthonias for
the pastoralist, forming a good close turf of nutritious, palatable
grass. “The principal grass of which a large portion of Victorian
pastures is composed. Itis very hardy, and bears over-stocking better
138
than any other native grass known to me. If attended to it would
make a close turf. Its nutritive properties are considerable. It
appears to thrive with rye grass and clover, which many native grasses
will not do.” (Bacchus.)
Habitat and range.—Found in all the colonies, except Western
Australia. In New South Wales it extends from the coast to the
table-lands and the southern mountain ranges.
8. Danthonia pilosa, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Pilosa, Latin, hairy.
Synonym.—Danthonia penicillata, F.v.M. im Census.
Vernacular names.—< Purple-awned Oat-grass.” (Buchanan.)
Where jigured.—Buchanan ; Bacchus, (‘Trinius, t. 51, is D. setacea ?).
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 594).
Stems rather slender, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves chiefly in radical tufts, very narrow, but not so slender as in D. setacea;
usually more or less hairy, the hairs sometimes long and spreading.
Panicle narrow and dense, not much branched, and sometimes almost as simple asin
D. racemosa,
Spikelets shortly pedicellate, about 4 inch long, the
Outer glumes about as long,
Flowering glumes six to eight, with lanceolate lobes tapering into fine awns almost
as in D. semiannularis, but hairy on the margin only, without the transverse
ring under the lobes of that species, and very few hairs (if any) on the back,
except at the base.
Botanical note—Some forms approach in habit D. racemosa, but
the spikelets are those of D. semiannularis, except in the want of the
ring of hairs on the back under the lobes. (Benth.)
Value as a fodder.—A useful fodder-grass. Bailey points ont that
as it is such a good seed-bearer, it is not so likely to be lost through
overstocking as other grasses. Bacchus refers to it as a hardy and
good pasture grass, which does not, however, stand the summer heat
well.
Habitat and range.—F¥ ound in all the colonies except Tasmania and
Western Australia. Extends from the coast to the table-land.
9. Danthonia semiannularis, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Semiannularis ; Latin, semi half, annulus a little
ring, in allusion to the half-ring of hairs at the back of the flowering
glume.
Synonym.—Danthonia penicillata, F.v.M. in Census.
Where figured.—Labillardiére, as Arundo semiannularis ; Trinius ;
Buchanan; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 595).
A variable plant, the
Stems usually 2 to 3 feet high, but sometimes much lower.
Leaves very narrow, flat or convolute, never so fine as in D. setacea, the sheaths
glabrous or hairy, more or less ciliate at the orifice.
Panicle sometimes loose and spreading, more frequently narrow and compact.
139
Outer glumes acute, above 4 inch, and sometimes nearly 1 inch long.
Flowering glumes usually four to eight, not exceeding the outer ones, the lobes
lanceolate, with a broad or narrow hyaline margin, acute or tapering into a point
or rather a short fine awn, the long hairs of the cilia copious at the base and
margins, and forming a ring round the back immediately under the lobes, the
twisted awn varying from 4 to 1 inch.
Palea longer than the entire base of the glume, often two-pointed.
Botanical Notes —The common form, apparently abundant in the
Southern Colonies, has usually a compact narrow panicle and the pale
or greenish outer glumes often smooth and shining. The loose-flowered
form with the outer glumes dark-coloured appears to be chiefly about
Port Jackson and the Blue Mountains, and occasionally in Tasmania.
Var. alpina.—Stems short and densely tufted. Leaves rather stout,
conyolute and very glabrous. Australian Alps.
Value as a fodder.—A valuable grass when young, but in arid country
it becomes very harsh when old. A Wilcannia correspondent writes :—
** Grows strong on country near the tank, but nothing will eat it, not
even the rabbits, and there is no sign of any other feed. On Baden
Park and Mount Manaro Stations with same results.”
Habitat and Range.—Found in all the colonies, and in most parts of
New South Wales, from the coast to the interior. Perhaps our most
widely diffused Danthonia.
11. Danthonia paucifiora, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Pauciflora, Latin, pauci few, flos-floris flower; few-
flowered, the panicle containing but few flowers.
Vernacular name.—< Few-flowered Oat-grass.”
Where jigured.—Buchanan ; Hooker, fl. Tasmania.
Botanical description (B. FL, vu, 596). A small plant forming low
dense branching tufts of fine rigid leaves not above 1 inch long and
the stems not above 6 inches, or when luxuriant both weaker and longer.
Panicle ovoid, of few shortly pedicellate spikelets, sometimes reduced to 2 or 3.
Outer glumes three lines long or rather more.
Flowering glumes 3 or 4, very short, with short broad lobes, acute or with short fine
awns, the hairs chiefly at the base and margins not forming a transverse ring,
the central awn rather longer than the lobes or lateral awns.
Palea obtuse.
Var. ? alpina, F.v.M. Panicle small and narrow. Glumes small,
the flowering ones with very few hairs and very short awns, but with
the short broad lateral lobes of the typical form. Summits of the
Australian Alps.
Value as a fodder—A small Alpine pasture grass. Its small rigid
leaves do not recommend it as a pasture grass, yet, from its evident
perennial habit, it may prove valuable on those higher altitudes
where few grasses can exist. (Buchanan.) It is cropped by sheep.
Habitat and Range.—Found in Tasmania, Victoria, and New South
Wales, as well as in New Zealand. In Victoria and New South
Wales on the Australian Alps.
140
Tribe vi.—ASTREPTR.
Sub-tribe i.—Pappophoree.
65. Amphipogon. 68. Astrebla.
66. Echinopogon. 69. Triraphis.
67. Pappophorum. 70. Triodia.
65. AMPHIPOGON.
Spikelets one-flowered, nearly sessile in a dense panicle contracted
into a head or short spike, the rhachis of the spikelet articulate above
the two outer glumes, and not continued beyond the flower.
Gluwmes three, two outer persistent, membranous, three-nerved, acute
or tapering to an awnlike point, rarely three-fid.
Flowering glume raised on a short hairy stipes (the rhachis of the
spikelet), closed round the flower, deeply divided into three narrow
lobes tapering into straight points or awns.
Palea usually as long as the flowering glume, deeply divided into
two narrow rigid lobes or awns.
Styles united at the base, free upwards.
Grain enclosed in the slightly hardened upper glume.
Perennial grasses with conyolute terete or subulate leaves.
2. Amphipogon strictus, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Amphipogon, Greek amphi, around, pogon, a beard,
in allusion to the short hairy stipes of the flowering glume ; strictus,
Latin, rigid, which is the habit of the plant.
Where figured.— Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 597).
Stems from a horizontal rhizome or tufted branching base erect and slender, usually
above 1 foot high. ,
Leaves rather short, erect, subulate, glabrous.
Spikelike panicle dense, oblong or cylindrical, 4 to 13 inches long, but little branched.
Outer glumes broad, concave, faintly three-nerved, almost scarious, entire when
perfect, the outer one about 2 lines, the inner rather longer and more acute.
Flowering glume on the short hairy stipes shorter than the outer glume, with two
short rows of hairs on the back, divided into three rigid ciliate linear lobes or .
awns longer than the entire part.
Palea narrow, deeply divided into two rigid lobes similar to those of the flowering
glume.
Seed separable from the membranous pericarp.
Value as a fodder.—A rather harsh grass not readily eaten by stock
except when quite young.
Fungus recorded on this grass.—Ustilago Tepperi, Lud.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania,
and pretty well all over the Colony of New South Wales.
141
66. ECHINOPOGON.
Spikelets one-flowered, nearly sessile in a dense panicle contracted
into a head or short spike, the rhachis of the spikelet articulate above
the two outer glumes and produced into a short bristle above the
flower.
Glumes three, two outer persistent, acute, keeled; flowering glume
thin, five-nerved, three-lobed, the lateral lobes unawned, the central
one produced into a fine straight awn.
Palea narrow.
Styles distinct, the stigmas very shortly plumose.
Grain enclosed in the flowering glume, but free from it.
1. Echinopogon ovatus, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Echinopogon, Greek echinos a hedgehog, pogon a
beard, in allusion to the very rough flower-head ; ovatus, Latin egg-
shaped, or of an oval figure, in allusion to the shape of the flower-head.
Vernacular name.—“ Rough-bearded Grass.”
Where figured.—Labillardiére as Agrostis ovata; Buchanan; Agri-
cultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 599)—An erect glabrous grass,
from under 1 foot to above 2 feet high.
Leaves flat, very scabrous, the asperites reversed on the sheath and back of the blade,
erect on the upper surface.
Head or spikelike panicle on a long terminal peduncle, varying from ovoid-globular
and 4 inch diameter to oblong-cylindrical and 2 inches long.
Spikelets numerous and densely crowded, about 14 lines long without the awns.
Outer glumes lanceolate, boat-shaped, the keel prominent, green and ciliate.
Flowering glume rather broad, surrounded by a tuft of hairs, the lateral lobes very
short, acute, rigid at the base, the central one shortly flat at the base, tapering
to an awn of 2 to 4 lines.
Palea nearly as long as the glume.
Bristle continuing the axis at the back of the palea usually shorter than the glume,
bearing a short tuft of hairs or rudimentary glume.
Value as a fodder—A harsh grass of very little fodder value. It
seeks the protection of shrubs and fences, and hence occasionally
affords a bite to hungry stock when more palatable grasses have been
eaten down.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies, including New
Zealand. In New South Wales, extending from the coast to the
table-land, and up to nearly 5,000 feet on Mount Kosciusko.
67. PAPPOPHORUM.
Spikelets with one hermaphrodite flower and 1 or more male or
rudimentary flowers or empty glumes above it, in a short, dense and
spikelike or narrow and loose panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet
articulate above the outer glumes and hairy round the flowering
glume.
142
Outer glumes membranous, many-nerved, awnless, as long as the
spikelet.
Flowering glume broad, membranous, with 9, or in species not
Australian, more nerves, produced into more or less plumose awns.
Palea two-nerved, as long as the glume or longer.
Styles distinct.
Grain enclosed in the glume and palea, free from them.
Outer glumes 1 to 2 lines long, 5- to 9-nerved.............cecsesecsseeeeres 1. P. nigricans
Outer glumes 3 lines long, 11- to 2l-nerved..........0.sscerssesecevseeceres 2. P. avenaceum
1. Pappophorum nigricans, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Pappophorum, Latin (from the Greek) pappus,
thistle-down, hence in botany the pappus of composites ; phorum,
Greek phoreo, I bear, in allusion to the downiness or woolliness of the
flowering glumes ; nigricans, Latin, blackish, the panicle being usually
of a dark colour.
Synonym.—Included with P. avenaceum under P. commune F.y.M.,
by Mueller.
Vernacular name.—* Purple-topped Grass.” (Bailey.)
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description.—(B. Fl. vii, 600).
Stems from under 1 foot to 1} feet high.
Leaves flat or convolute, usually narrow, sometimes quite setaceous, glabrous,
pubescent or villous, the nodes glabrous or bearded. s
Panicle dense and spikelike, varying from ovoid-oblong and under 4 inch long, to
narrow cylindrical and 3 inches long, or broader, more branched, and 2 to 3
inches long, but always dense, pale or dark-coloured.
Outer glumes varying from 1 to rather above 2 lines long, obtuse or acute, striate,
with usually 7 or 9 nerves, but sometimes, especially on the lowest glume,
reduced to 5 and 2 of those short.
Flowering glume not above 1 line long, more or less hairy outside, especially at the
base, with 9 fine spreading plumose awns varying from the length of the glume
to twice as long. Above the flowering glume and enclosed in it is usually a
smaller one with a male or rudimentary flower, and 1 or 2 still smaller empty
ones.
Value as a fodder—A drought-resisting species, but not readily
eaten by stock, so far as my experience goes.
“This is an erect grass, and, although wiry in appearance, furnishes
a good quantity of feed and bears close cropping; there are many
forms of it, some of which would be worthy of cultivation as
ornamental grasses.” (Bailey.)
Habitat and range——Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania ;
also in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Found in most parts of
the Colony of New South Wales. Ascends Mount Kosciusko to
nearly 5,000 feet.
2. Pappophorum avenaceum, Lindl.
Botanical name.—Avenaceum, Latin, oat-like, the panicle somewhat
resembling oats in appearance.
Synonym.—Included (with P. nigricans) under P. commune, F.v.M..
Where jfigured.—Agricultural Gazette.
143
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 601).—Very near the P. nigricans,
with which F. Mueller unites it under the name of P. commune, and
with the same habit but the spikelike panicle looser with fewer and
larger spikelets.
Outer glumes fully 3 lines long with numerous nerves, usually more than eleven and
sometimes as many as twenty-one.
Flowering glumes several, closely imbricate, the outer ones with a fertile flower
enclosing one or two male (or sometimes a second fertile) flowers and one or two
small empty glumes.
Value as a fodder.—See P. nigricans.
Habitat and range.—Found in the interior of New South Wales,
Queensland, and South Australia.
68. ASTREBLA.
Spikelets few-flowered, sessile or nearly so in the alternate notches
of the continuous rhachis of one or two simple secund spikes, the
rhachis of the spikelet articulate above the two outer glumes.
Outer empty glumes two, glabrous, acute, many-nerved, unawned.
Flowering glumes silky-hairy, three-lobed, the central lobe with a
broad base tapering into a straight or curved not twisted awn, the
lateral lobes erect, rigid, two- or three-nerved.
Palea with two prominent ciliate nerves or keels.
Styles distinct, very short. In both species the spikes are usually
single, very rarely two together at the end of the peduncle.
Spikelets closely imbricate on one:side of a secund spike of 2 to 3
inches. Awn about as long as the lateral lobes ..,............... 1. A. pectinata.
Spikelets at some distance, almost erect in a secund spike of 3 to 6
inches. Awn much longer than the lateral lobes, straight or
[TGYEI GI eee nec DOt EERE er BRE tern ea ttot see are Hc Mgr eonine Hoe eciidtin in Sega or 2. A. triticoides.
1. Astrebla pectinata, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Astrebla, Greek a not, strebla twisted, referring
to the awn, which is not twisted; pectinata, Latin, combed or comb-
like, the spike reminding one of the appearance of a comb.
Vernacular names.—A. “ Mitchell Grass” ; ‘‘ Coarse Mitchell Grass.’”
(Bailey.) Mr. Koch informs me that Mitchell grass is known as
Taldra-auto by Cordillo blacks in South Australia.
Where figured—Builey ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Vl. vu, 602).—An erect glaucous grass of
1 to 2 feet, glabrous except sometimes a few hairs at the orifice of the
sheaths.
Leaves flat, ending in long points, smooth or scarcely scabrous.
Spikelets sessile in the alternate notches of a secund spike of 2 to 3 inches, closely
imbricate and turned to one side.
Outer glumes 4 to 5 lines long, glabrous, acute, 9- or 11-nerved, with scabrous margins.
Flowering glumes 3 or 4, the entire part scarcely 1 line long, densely villous outside
as well as the broad base of the middle lobe; lateral lobes semi-lanceolate,
glabrous, rigid, 4 to 5 lines long, acute, 2- or 3-nerved, with the outer margin
broadly scarious ; central lobe broad, ovate, concave, keeled, tapering into a
slender straight awn about as long as, or rather longer than, the lateral lobes.
Rhachis of the spikelet articulate only above the outer glumes, very hairy between
the flowering ones, continued and less hairy above the perfect flowers, with one.
or two glabrous glumes and pales empty or with rudimentary flowers.
(ex
co)
144
Value as a fodder.—The Mitchell grasses rank amongst the most
nutritious and drought enduring of the grasses of the interior of New
South Wales. They are rather coarse grasses, but after the rains
they yield an immense quantity of succulent, nutritious fodder.
Other uses.—The seeds of the genus are large and separate like
wheat, free from chaff, and are in the interior largely used by the
natives for food. (Bailey.)
When in seed this is a very handsome grass, and quite worthy to
rank amongst the ornamental grasses for vases and decorative work.
Halitat and range.—Occurs in New South Wales, Queensland, and
Northern Australia, also in Western and South Australia. In New
South Wales more or less spread over the whole of the western country.
Var. elymoides, Bail. (Syn. A. elymoides, F.v.M. et Bail.), is a Mitchell
grass, hitherto supposed to be confined to Queensland. It has, how-
ever, been sent from Collarendabri, in the north-west of this colony,
500 miles from Sydney, and via Narrabri and Walgett towards the
Queensland border.
lt is figured by Bailey, who speaks of it as “a weak straggling
grass, sprouting at the joints after every shower of rain, and affording
a large amount of excellent fodder . . . . a great favourite with |
stockowners.”
2. Astrebla triticoides, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Triticoides, Latin, Triticwm, wheat, Greek, oidos,
like, indicating the similarity in appearance of the ‘‘ head” to that of
a “head” of wheat.
Vernacular name.—‘* Mitchell-grass.”
Where figured.— Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 602)—Very near A. pectinata,
apparently a taller plant, the
Leaves more or less scabrous or ciliate on the edges.
Spikes 3 to 6 inches long.
Spikelets alternate, not closely imbricate, and often almost erect and at some distance
from each other.
Outer empty glumes usually very unequal, the lowest short, the second 4 or 5 lines
ies
ong.
Flowering glumes shorter, the lateral lobes shorter and more rigid than in A. pectinata,
and the awn much exceeding them, the dorsal hairs appressed and silky.
Var. lappacea, Benth. Spikelets usually thicker, the largest outer
glume often $inch long. Awns of the flowering glumes usually longer
than in the typical form, often bent about and some or nearly all with
a rigid hook at the end, but exceedingly variable ; in some specimens
the hook is very rare, and the length of the awns very irregular.
Localities —Same as normal species.
Value as a fodder——Much the same properties as the preceding
species. It should be propagated as far as possible, for it is not as
plentiful as could be wished. Patches of 1t should be fenced off, if
necessary, for seed. The variety lappacea is coarser than the normal
species, but its fodder-value is much the same.
Habitat and range.—Found in South Australia, also in New South
Wales, Queensland, and Northern Australia. An interior species,
Li { at i!
Rane
Triraphis microdon,
145
69. TRIRAPHIS,
Spikelets several-flowered, in a terminal panicle, the rhachis of the
spikelet articulate above each glume, the terminal glume usually empty
or with a male flower.
Outer empty glumes unawned, entire or the second occasionally
notched with a short point in the notch.
Flowering glumes with three narrow lobes tapering into straight
awns, the central occasionally with a short lobe or point on each side,
or all three reduced to small teeth.
Palea narrow.
Styles distinct.
Grain enclosed in the thin or coriaceous glume and palea, free from
them.
Panicle soft and dense ; flowering glumes hairy, with a pointed
lobe or short awn on each side of the central awn ven, Le 0, mollag:
Panicle very loose; flowering glumes coriaceous, with three
small teeth or points ... soe ree 5 soc ... Oo. ZT. microdon.
1, Triraphis mollis, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Triraphis, Greek treis, three, raphis a needle, in
allusion to the three awns of the flowering glumes which are needle-
like ; mollis, Latin, soft, in allusion to the soft, silky feel of the panicle.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl. vii, 603).—A glabrous, rather slender,
erect grass attaining 2 feet, but sometimes much smaller.
Leaves long and narrow ending in fine points.
Panicle narrow, dense, 6 to 10 inches long, with a soft look owing to the slender awns
and hairs of the glumes.
Spikelets crowded on the short erect branches, narrow, about 4 inch long without the
awns, with 8 to 10 or even more flowers.
Glumes narrow, membranous, about 14 lines long, the two outer empty ones glabrous,
entire or the second with a short tooth on each side of the point.
Flowering glumes sprinkled with a few long hairs, the central capillary awn three to
four lines long, with a pointed lobe or short awn on each side, the lateral awns
rather shorter.
Value as a fodder.—Inferior for this purpose, and only eaten when
better grasses are scarce.
Other wses—The long dense panicle possesses such a handsome
appearance as to place this plant within the category of ornamental
grasses. *
Habitat and range-—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania.
An interior species.
5. Triraphis microdon, Benth.
Botanical name.—Microdon, Greek, micros, small, odous, odontos a
tooth, the three principal nerves of the flowering glume being produced
into short terminal points or small teeth.
Synonym.—Triodia microdon, F. vy. M., in Census. There seems
little doubt that this species should be referred to Triodia rather than
K
146
to Triraphis, a view I should adopt in this Manual were it not for the
convenience of as close adherence as possible to the nomenclature of
the Flora Australiensis.
Botanical description (B. Fl. vii, 605). An erect cali grass of
2 or 3 feet.
Leaves narrow, flat, or convolute.
Panicle very loose, with long capillary branches, bearing each one to three large flat
spikelets on capillary pedicels, at first erect, at length pendulous.
Spikelets ten- to fourteen-flowered, # to 1 inch long, the rhachis with a tuft of short
hairs under each flowering glume.
Outer empty glumes narrow, acute, keeled, with or without a faint nerve on each
side.
Flowering glumes distant from each other, about four lines long, rigid with five very
prominent nerves of which the three principal ones produced into short terminal
points or teeth, the central one rather the largest.
Value as a fodder—Unknown; not likely to be important, on
account of its rarity. It may also be mentioned that its affinities are
with two genera not distinguished for yielding nutritious grasses.
Habitat and range.—Confined to New South Wales, and only
recorded from the Blue Mountains. It is one of the rarest of our
gTasses.
Reference to Plate.— A. One of the flat spikelets enlarged and opened out. 3B.c. Two
pairs of glumes, showing a tuft of short hairs under each flowering glume. op. End of a
flowering glume, with its five prominent nerves, three of which are produced into short
terminal points.
70. TRIODIA.
Spikelets several-flowered, paniculate, the rhachis articulate above
the outer glumes and between the flowerimg ones, hairy round them
or glabrous.
Glwmes unawned, two outer empty ones acute, keeled, glabrous or
the keel scabrous-ciliate.
Flowering glumes usually shorter, unawned, the lower part rounded
on the back, more or less three-nerved at first, often hardened and
nerveless in fruit, with three terminal one- or three-neryed lobes or
teeth.
Palea about as long as the entire part of the glume, with two
prominent nerves. Ovary glabrous.
Styles very short, distinct.
Grain somewhat dorsally compressed, enclosed in the glume and
palea, free from them.
Leaves very pungent, the sheaths usually viscid; flowering glumes
silky-ciliate, divided nearly to the aaa into three lobes.
Panicle loose and spreading ; spikelets dark, 4} inch long, eight- to
EWElVS-HOW ELC”, Siis1.c.4. hs. cdi sas «0 tenaedue death tvndeasin seaenel Meee 1. VT. Mitchell
Leaves very pungent, the sheaths not viscid; flowering glumes silky-
villous at the base, with three sets of nerves each, leading to
three smallopieBe Meee Scdicn..csces Ccscvvestaiiedoccereans essed deosoor 4, 7. irritans
1, Triodia Mitchelli, Benth.
Botanical name.—Triodia, Greek ; treis, three; odous odontos, a
tooth ; the flowering glumes having three terminal lobes or teeth;
Mitchelli, in honour of Sir Thomas Mitchell, ante p. 49.
ee
147
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 606).
Leaves very nearly those of 7. pungens but longer, nearly terete, pungent-pointed,
with viscid sheaths.
Panicle very much looser, 3 to 4 inches long, with capillary branches more or less
spreading ; the lower ones 1 to 1} inches long, with three or four pedicellate
_ spikelets ; the upper ones short with one or two spikelets.
Spikelets dark-coloured, 4 inch long when fully out, ovate or oblong, with eight to
twelve flowers.
Outer glumes three-nerved, obtuse or minutely three-toothed, about 3 lines long.
Flowering glumes 2} lines long, three-nerved, the entire part densely silky-villous
and at length somewhat hardened, the three acute rigid glabrous lobes as long
as the entire part or the central one rather longer.
Palea glabrous.
Value as a fodder—A wiry, wninviting grass, utterly valueless for
stock-feed except when quite young.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Victoria. An interior species.
4. Triodia irritans, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Irritans, Watin, provoking, which this harsh,
prickly grass frequently is to travellers.
Botanical description(B. F1., vii, 607).—A rigid, scrubby, glabrous
grass with long rigid convyolute pungent-pointed leaves, not viscid in
any of the specimens seen.
Panicle narrow, almost spike-like, 3 to 6 inches long.
Spikelets solitary or few together, on short erect capillary pedicels or branches,
mostly three- or four-flowered, 4 to 5 lines long.
Outer glumes glabrous, acute, five-nerved, 3 lines long.
Flowering glumes not quite so long, villous with silky hairs at the base but much less
so than in 7’. pungens, truncate at the end, with three sets of three nerves, each
leading to three very short obtuse or truncate lobes or teeth, the lateral ones
rather broad, the central one smaller or minute.
Palea narrow.
Value as a fodder.—Of no value.
Habitat and range-——Found in all the colonies except ‘Tasmania.
Only found in the arid interior.
The occurrence of a resin in a Triodia, or in fact in any grass, 1s a
very interesting circumstance, and I attach copies of two papers by
myself on the subject. The matter is worthy of further inquiry.
Last year (1888) Sir William Macleay was kind enough to give me
“a sample of gum used by the blacks for cementing the heads of
spears,* and prepared from Spinifex roots,” which had been collected
by Mr. Walter Froggatt in the Napier Range (locally called Barrier
Range), 100 miles mland from Derby, North-west Australia.
I was dubious as to it being the product of a “ Spinifex,” never
having heard of a grass yielding a resin, but Mr. Froggatt is emphatic
that he is not mistaken, nor is so experienced a collector likely to be.
The Spinifex is probably Triodia irritans, R.Br., but further infor-
mation on the subject, giving the mode of preparation of the resin
* « The heads of spears from Western Australia in my collection are coated with a
hard gum, forming a ridge on one side, in which pieces of glass are impacted.” Brough
Smyth’s Aborigines of Victoria, &c., i, 336. Mr. Froggatt informs me that Spinifex resin
is put to such a purpose in the locality from which he obtained it.
148
would be very acceptable. Mr. Froggatt states that it is obtained
from the roots, and local Europeans and aborigines all make similar
statements as to its origin.
It is in a cake about 4 inches in diameter, and 1} inches in thickness.
The smell is something like bees-wax, but at the same time it has an
exceedingly disagreeable and persistent odour which is not easily
_described. It reminds one of the smell of the fabric known as cordu-
roy. It is of especial interest because it is of aboriginal preparation.
Its colour is that of a dirty dark bronze-green, or almost of a slaty
colour with a little green init. To the naked eye it looks very lke
finely chopped hay or grass-seed cemented into a compact mass. It is
exceedingly tough, a sharp blow with a hammer on a cold chisel being
necessary to fracture it.
Petroleum spirit extracts 3°2 per cent. of a colourless fixed oil or fat,
which possesses a little of the disagreeable odour of the original sub-
stance. The solvent extracts no resin. As the substance has been
made up into cakes by the blacks, and is to that extent not an absolutely
natural product, it may be that the fat, or a portion of it has been
introduced.
The substance was then digested in alcohol, which extracts a trans-
parent, hard, golden-yellow resin, possessing some odour, and which
appears to be an interesting substance. The amount of this resin is
67°53 per cent., and it darkens on keeping.
Water digested on the residue dissolves out 6-9 per cent. of colouring
matter and salts. It contains no arabin. The remainder, 23°] per
cent., consists of dirt and particles of chopped grass. This also is
quite free from gummy matter.
Summary—
Fat, soluble in petroleum spirit et |
Resin, soluble in alcohol seed ae . MTS
Extractive and salts, soluble in water 6°9
Accidental impurity ... voi ie we) Zoe
100°4
A second sample, treated with alcohol direct, yielded 70°8 per cent.
to that solvent, Proc. Linn. Society, N.S.W. [2], iv, 639 (1889).
Following is my report on an allied substance recently collected by
the Horn Expedition to Central Australia.
No. 1. ‘‘ Portion of an ants’ nest consisting of sand agglutinated by
gum from Triodia pungens, formed around the base of the grass, and
continued as cylinders around leaves and flower stalks. Tempe
Downs.” This substance has the appearance of a lump of reddish-
brown clinker. When treated at a very low temperature the resin
melts (even in the flame of a match), and in its crude state would make
a useful cement. When the resin has burned away, the residue consists
of sand, principally quartz with ferric oxide, the latter beg removed by
dilute hydrochloric acid. This ferric oxide assists to give the original
mass its reddish-brown appearance. When the original substance
is treated with alcohol (rectified spirit), the resin readily dissolves,
leaving the sand, which differs in no way from that obtained by burning
|
.
149
off the resin. Ether dissolves the greater portion of the resin, but
instead of the residual resin being dark brown, as in the case when
alcohol is used, it is of a golden yellowish colour, and when ignited
burns away without residue, while that portion extracted by alcohol
after the ethereal extract has been removed, leaves a small quantity of
residue.
The bright yellow resin melts at 85° C. The original resin
extracted by alcohol melts at 110° C., while the alcoholic residue
left on removal of the resin soluable in ether does not melt at 140°
C. It consists partly of inorganic material. As it was present
in small quantities, its composition could not be determined in
the small portion of material forwarded. The resin obtained from
Triodia irritans, R.Br., by ether, in appearance and colour resembles
that obtained from Vriodia pungens, but it has a lower melting point,
melting at 63° C. The brown resin obtained by alcohol, corres-
ponding to that obtained by alcohol from Triodia pungens melts at
102° C. From the results of the examination of the bodies con-
tained in the resinous material of Triodia irritans, it was suggested
that the fat found was artificially introduced ; its presence would lower
the melting point of the resm. Judging from the appearance of the
two resins, their colour, odour, melting points, &c., there appears to
be but little difference in the resins obtained from J'riodia pungens and
Triodia wrritans, and they may prove to be identical when prepared
under similar conditions.
We have so few records of the finding of the Porcupine resin, that
the following is of interest :—‘“‘ Samples of resinous matter from roots
of Spinifex, and tunnels made by ants, found here for the first time,
lying on the surface of the sandy ground between bunches of Spinifex,
apparently made of sand cemented with some agglutinuous secretion
of the msect, or what is more probable, the resinous substance
found at the roots of the Spinifex plants.” (W. 'T. Tietkens’ Explora-
tion of West Central Australia, in Trans. Roy. Geog. Soc. Vict., viii.,
30). (Report of Horn Expedition to Central Australia, pp. 195 and
196).
Sub-tribe u.—Chlorideex.
72. Cynodon. 74. EHleusine.
73. Chloris, 75. Leptochloa.
76. Diplachne.
72. CYNODON.
Spikelets one-flowered, awnless, singly sessile in two rows on one
side of slender spikes, digitate at the end of the peduncle, the rhachis
of the spikelet articulate immediately above the outer glumes, and
either not produced beyond the flower or continued into a minute point
behind the palea.
Outer empty glumes two, keeled, persistent or deciduous.
150
Flowering glume broader, boat-shaped, with a prominent keel.
Palea narrow or rather broad, the two nerves prominent, distant or
closely contiguous.
Grain smooth, enclosed in the glume and palea, but free from them.
1. Cynodon dactylon, Pers.
Botanical name.—Cynodon—Greek, Kuon, kunos a dog, odous,
odontos a tooth, dog’s tooth. This grass is still known in some places
as “ Dog’s Tooth Grass,” but whether the vernacular name is a trans-
lation of the botanical one, or the reverse is the case, I do not know.
Dactylon—Greek, dactulos a finger, in reference to the finger-like
spikes.
Vernacular names.—< Couch Grass,” the “ Doub Grass” of India,
and the “ Bermuda Grass” of the United States; sometimes known as
* Dog’s Tooth Grass.”
Where figured.—Hackel, Vasey, Kearney, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 609).
Stems prostrate, often creeping and rooting to a great extent, the flowering branches
shortly ascending.
Leaves short, of a glaucous green.
Spikes two to five, often purplish, 1 to 2 inches long.
Spikelets sessile, outer glumes narrow, acute, persistent, keeled, under 1 line long.
Flowering glume rather above 1 line long, broadly boat-shaped, the keel usually
minutely ciliate.
Palea narrow.
Rhachis of the spikelet produced into a point or bristle shorter than the glume, and
often very minute.
Var. pulchellus, F.v.M. Flowering glume ciliate on the keel with
long hairs. Murray River.
Value as a fodder.—It is a useful pasture grass, stock eating it
readily. It is the best all-round lawn grass we have, but it isa
troublesome weed in gardens. It is so widely diffused and so largely
cultivated that the fact that itis an Australian native is sometimes lost
sight of. Atthe same time, in many of its situations it has been
introduced by the hand of man. As O’Shanesy points out: “ Its
presence is one of the surest signs of settlement.”
“Tt is by far the most useful of all fodder grasses in India, especially
for horses. It is perennial, and flowers nearly all the yearround. The
foliage becomes scanty during the cold weather months, at which time
it may be said to be at rest. It varies considerably in habit as well as
in its nutritive qualities, according to the nature of the soil or climate.
It makes excellent hay, and will keep good for many years in stack.”
(Duthie.) The Hindoos consider it sacred.
“ This is undoubtedly, on the whole, the most valuable grass in the
Southern United States. It is a native of Southern Europe, and of
all tropical countries. It is a common pasture-grass in the West
Indies, and the Sandwich Islands, and has long been known in
the United States, but the difficulty of eradicating it when once
established has retarded its introduction into cultivation. Its
yalue, however, is becoming more appreciated now that more attention
151
is bemg given to grass and relatively less to cotton, and better
methods and implements of cultivation are being employed. Still,
it seems probable, from the reports received, that at the present time
a majority of farmers would prefer not to have it on their farms. It
seeds very sparingly in the United States, and as the imported seed
is not always to be had, and is expensive and often of poor quality,
those who have desired to cultivate it on a large scale have seldom
been able to do so. It is generally used as a lawn grass, and to hold
levels or railroad embankments, and for small pastures.” (Vasey.)
‘Perhaps no one plant represents more value to the south than does
‘Bermuda’ ; certainly no other forage plant is more precious to that
section. Whether for hay or for pasturage, it is everywhere placed
first, and is considered the most nutritious grass that can be success-
fully grown in the Southern United States. While it requires a fertile
soil for its best development, it will grow on the thinnest soil, being
acommon plant of sea-beaches. In such situations the plants are
very small, the erect flowering stems bemeg quite short, and long
sterile shoots (sometimes 6 feet long), rooting at every joint, are pro-
duced. In better land a light loamy soil seems to suit it best, the
tendency to send out long creeping shoots is checked, the upward
growth is much greater, and the amount of leafage imcreases corre-
spondingly, the whole plant becoming much taller and_ succulent.
Besides its great value as a forage plant, Bermuda is one of the most
effective of soil holders. When growing on sandy river banks and
ocean beaches it is, apparently, the most valuable sand-binding grass
of the Southern States. It is sometimes planted by roadsides and
upon embankments for this purpose, and is a favourite lawn grass in
most towns and cities, forming a close, fine turf, and remaining green
in the driest and most sun- exposed s situations.” (Kearney.)
Other uses.—Used largely in medicinal preparations by the natives
of India, and also by them for some sacred and ceremonial purposes.
It really does possess some medicinal properties, as certified to by
properly qualified medical men in India. For further particulars,
Watts’ Dictionary of the Economic Products of India may be referred
to.
Habitat and range-—Found in all the colonies. except Tasmania ;
well diffused in New South Wales.
“This is a common and troublesome weed in all hot and some
temperate countries, and although generally spread over the settled
parts of extra-tropical Australia, it may have been introduced as
suggested by R. Brown.” (Benth.)
73. CHLORIS.
Spikelets one-flowered, awned, singly sessile in two rows on one side
of simple spikes, either solitary or digitate at the end of the peduncle,
the rhachis of the spikelet articulate immediately above the outer
glumes.
Outer empty glumes two, keeled, persistent, awnless.
152
Flowering glume produced into a fine straight awn, entire or with a
tooth, lobe or short awn on each side of the terminal awn.
Palea folded or with two prominent nerves.
Rhachis of the spikelet produced behind the palea and bearing one
or more empty glumes, all awned, and usually with their ends on a
level with that of the flowering glume.
Spikes digitate, slender. Spikelets acute. Flowering glume usually
witha tooth, lobe or short awn on each side of the terminal
one.
Spikes six to twelve or more, 3 to6inches long. Spikelets distant,
3 lines long. Flowering glumes tapering into the awn, or
very minutely toothed.. 5. C. acicularis.
Spikes digitate, slender, 3 to 6 inches long. Spikelets very “obtuse
or truncate.
Spikelets cuneate, truncate, 1 to 14 lines long. Flowering
glume, oblong, obtuse. Upper empty one broad, truncate 6. C. truncata.
Spikelets very obtuse, 14 to 2 lines. Hlowegne glume yey
broad, embracing the narrower empty one . “ 7. C. ventricosa.
Spikes digitate, dense, 1 to 2 inches long.
Flowering glume broad, rigidly scarious, ciliate. Upper as
glumes several. Broad, scarious, very spreading... 9. C. scariosa.
5. Chloris acicularis, Lindl.
Botanical name.—Chloris, the Greek word for pale green, in allusion
to the colour of some of these grasses; acicularis, from the Latin
needle-shaped or acicular, in allusion to the shape of the spikelets.
Vernacular name.—*‘ Lesser Star Grass.”
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description. (B. Fl. vii, 612).—A glabrous erect grass of
1 to 2 feet.
Leaves flat, the lower sheaths broad and flattened.
Spikes six to twelve or even more, at first erect, but at length horizontally spreading
as in C. divaricata, 3 to 4 inches long, slender, and often purplish.
Spikelets rather distant.
Outer glumes narrow, keeled, tapering to fine points, the lowest 14 to 2 lines, the
second 3 lines long.
Flowering glume about 2 lines, narrow, three-nerved, tapering into an awn of about
4 inch, with sometimes, but not always, a short point on each side at the base.
Palea long, narrow, prominently two-nerved.
Terminal empty glume with an awn sometimes as long as that of the flowering glume,
but usually shorter.
Value as a fodder.—The very closely allied C. Roxburghiana, Edgew.,
is not uncommon in Northern India, and often grows amongst bushes,
where its stems attain a considerable height. It is stated to be a
good fodder grass in Ajmere. (Duthie.)
Habitat and range——Found in all the colonies except Tasmania.
In New South Wales it extends from the table-land to the interior.
6. Chloris truncata, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Truncata, Latin, maimed or mangled, hence
“ cut off” (truncate), which the glumes appear to be.
Vernacular names.—“* Windmill Grass” or “ Star Grass.”
Where jfigured.—Agricultural Gazette.
153
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 612).—A glabrous erect grass of
1 to 3 feet.
Leaves usually flat but narrow, with flattened sheaths.
Spikes six to ten, slender, 3 to 6 inches long, at length horizontally spreading.
Spikelets numerous but not crowded, cuneate, 1 to 14 lines long without the awns.
Lowest outer glume very small, almost setaceous, the second narrow and fine-pointed,
about as long as the spikelet.
Flowering glume oblong, obtuse, keeled, slightly ciliate, with a fine awn of 3 to 6
lines.
Terminal empty glume much shorter and broader, raised to the level of the flowering
glume and flat-topped, giving the spikelet its cuneate truncate form.
Value as a fodder.—This is an elegant and at the same time useful
fodder-grass. It is both palatable to stock and nutritious, and forms
a compact turf. It is common in the coast districts, while at the same
time it withstands prolonged droughts. Mr. IT’. Kidston, of Condo-
bolin, who possesses great experience in such matters, reports it as
one of the best summer grasses for the western country.
Habitat and range.—Found in South Australia, Victoria, New South
Wales, and Queensland. In the western districts of New South Wales
it frequents Yarran country, when ringbarked, growing freely all over
the river flats and uplands. It is, however, wide diffused over the
Colony.
7. Chloris ventricosa, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Ventricosa, Latin, big-bellied, in allusion to the
inflated spikelet.
Vernacular names.— Blue Star Grass ”’; “ Tall Star Grass.”
Botanical description (B. FI., vu, 613)—Unusually rather taller than
C. truncata, often above 2 feet high, with few flat leaves.
Spikes five to seven in the typical specimens, 3 to 4 inches long.
Spikelets cuneate and obtuse as in C. truncata, but larger, from 14 to 2 lines long, and
often, but not always, dark-coloured.
Flowering glume broad, very obtuse, embracing the much smaller terminal one, which
is raised and truncate as in C. truncata, usually emarginate, the awns of both
much shorter than the spikelet.
Another long-awned form has spikes of 3to4inches. (Cabramatta
and Ash Island, Hunter River.)
Value as a fodder——An excellent grass, having much the same
value as the preceding.
Habitat and range.—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
In New South Wales it occurs from the coast to the interior.
9. Chloris scariosa, F.vy.M.
Botanical name.—Scariosa, Latin, thin, dry, membranous, in
allusion to the glumes.
Vernacular names.— Rockhampton Star Grass” or “Gracemere
Star Grass,” of Bailey.
154
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 614).—
Stems erect, slender but rigid, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves narrow with subulate points or almost entirely flat in the larger specimens,
glabrous.
Spikes four to six, dense, 1 to 14 inches long.
Spikelets sessile, 3 to 4 lines long.
Lowest ylume narrow, hyaline, almost obtuse, scarcely keeled, about 2 lines long,
the second rather longer, with a more prominent keel.
Flowering glume raised on a hairy rhachis of about 1 line, rather above 1 line
long, very broad and concave, prominently three-nerved, ciliate with long hairs
at the end, with a fine awn of 2 to 3 lines.
Terminal empty glumes several (four to seven), the lowest two broader than the
flowering one, five- to seven-nerved at the base, hyaline and not ciliate, very
spreading and at length rigidly scarious; the upper ones gradually smaller
sessile and not exceeding the outer ones.
Value as a fodder.—A beautiful grass, but perhaps of little value
for pasture ; worthy of garden cultivation. It may, however, prove
to be of more value to the pastoralist when we know more about it.
Habitat and range.—F¥ound in Western and South Australia, also
in New South Wales and Queensland. In our own Colony it has only
been recorded from Hungerford, and may be looked for in other
localities in the north-west of the Colony.
74, KELEUSINE.
Spikelets several-flowered, flat, imbricate in two rows along one
side of the digitate or scattered branches of a simple panicle, the
rhachis of the spikelet articulate above the outer glumes.
Glumes spreading, keeled and complicate, thin, but rigid, the two
outer empty ones usually shorter, unequal, obtuse, acute or tapering
to a short point.
Flowering glumes obtuse or less poited, the terminal one usually
empty or rudimentary.
Palea folded.
Styles short, distinct.
Seed rugose within a loose membranous pericarp, which either
persists round the ripe seed or breaks up and falls away or otherwise’
disappears as the ovary enlarges.
Spikes digitate, short. Spikelets very closely packed, the glumes
very pointed, the second outer one almost awned. Pericarp
evanescent... sen Ne Nie sie ae oe .. Ll. H. egyptiaca.
Spikes digitate, or with one lower down, 2 to 3 inches long.
Glumes obtuse. Pericarp persistent... ig “eb ... 2, H. mdiea.
1, Eleusine egyptiaca, Pers.
Botanical name.—Hleusine, Latin eleusinius, of or belonging to
Ceres, the goddess of corn and tillage; xgyptiaca, Egyptian.
Synonym.—H. cruciata, Lam.; Dactylocteniwm egyptiacum, Willd.
Vernacular names.—‘ Small Crow-foot Grass” ; “ Egyptian Finger-
crass.”
Where figured—Duthie, Kearney, Agricultural Gazette.
155
Botanical description (B. F1., vi, 615).—
Stems tufted or creeping and rooting at the base and shortly ascending like the
Cynodon dactylon, or rarely above 1 foot high.
Leaves flat, ciliate, flaccid, with long points.
Spikes usually three to five, digitate, and under half aninch in most of the Australian
specimens, but sometimes 1 inch long, the angular rhachis prominent on the
upper or inner side, the spikelets regularly and very closely packed at right
angles to it on the opposite side.
Outer glume about 1 line long, acute, the second broader, obtuse, or emarginate,
the keel produced into a short dorsal awn, the rhachis of the spikelet produced
above the outer glumes, but glabrous.
Flowering glumes broad, complicate, tapering into short spreading points.
Pericarp loose over the enlarged ovary, disappearing from the ripe rugose seed.
Value as a fodder.—An excellent grass for the hotter, drier parts of
the Colony, and worthy of every encouragement. In the Bourke dis-
trict, for imstance, it grows luxuriantly, and Mr. D. G. Macdougall
reports it as a grass “ possessing wonderful nutritious properties, stock
of all descriptions fattening on it quickly.”
Abundant in all cultivated fields in 8. Carolina, and commonly used
for hay. (Ravenel, quoted by Vasey.)
It is generally considered to be a very nutritious grass, both as
forage and fodder. In the Lahore district it is said to be eaten by
cattle, but not by horses. (Duthie.)
Other uses—In India the grain is sometimes used for food by the
natives in times of scarcity. The Mohave Indians of California also
use the grain for food, grinding it and making the flour into cakes or
mush. (Orcutt, quoted by Lamson-Scribner.)
A decoction is prepared from the seeds, which issused in Africa for
inflammation of the kidneys. (Hackel.)
Habitat and range-——Found in all the colonies except Tasmania,
also in New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. It is found in the interior
of New South Wales.
It is a common weed of warm countries.
2. Eleusine indica, Geertn.
Botanical name.—Indica, Latin, Indian.
Vernacular names.—Has been called “Gigantic Couch” near Casino ;
“Crab Grass” is perhaps the most usual name ; “‘ Crow-foot” ; “‘ Yard
Grass,” ‘Goose Grass,” “ Crop Grass,” “ Wire Grass,” “Buzzard Grass,”
** Dutch Grass” are names more or less in use in the United States.
Where jfigured.—Trinius, Duthie, Kearney, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description. (B. Fl., vu, 615).—A coarse, erect, tufted
grass, 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves narrow, the sheaths flattened and distichous, ciliate with a few long hairs.
Spikes five to seven, 2 to 3 inches long, digitate, with usually one inserted rather
lower down, the rhachis prominent on the upper or inner side, the spikelets
loosely imbricate on the opposite side. Each spikelet 14 to 2 lines long, con-
taining three to five flowers.
Glumes obtuse, the lowest small and one-nerved, the second empty one, and the
lower flowering ones usually three-nerved.
Pericarp persistent, very loose and membranous, enclosing the rugose seed.
Value as a fodder.—This is a grass found on the northern rivers,
butis spreading, and opinions in regard to its value in New South Wales
156
appear to bedivided. Asa matter of fact, few people have experience
of it at present. Itis a common weed of warm countries, and I give
notes on the experience of observers in other parts of the world.
The late Mr. Thomas Bawden, of Grafton, wrote :—‘‘The enclosed
grass is spreading very much here, even overrunning the common
Couch. Stock do not seem to care much for it.”
A Casino correspondent, however, writes, ‘‘ Hagerly eaten by cattle
and horses.”
Mr. Bailey speaks of it as a good summer grass in Queensland, but
not liked by the farmer, as it spreads into cultivated places.
“An annual grass belongmg to tropical countries, but now
naturalised in most temperate climates. In the Southern States it is
found in every door-yard and in all waste places.”
Professor Phares, of Mississippi, says: “‘The clumps have many
long leaves and stems rising 1 or 2 feet high, and many long, strong,
deeply-penetrating, fibrous roots. It grows readily in door-yards,
barn-yards, and rich, cultivated grounds, and produces an immense
quantity of seeds. It is a very nutritious grass, and good for grazing,
soiling, and hay. The succulent lower part of the stems, covered
with the sheaths of the leaves, render it difficult to cure well, for which
several days are required. It may be cut two or three times, and
yields a large quantity of hay.” (Vasey.)
‘“ Confined to rich waste places and old yards and gardens, and is
rarely or never seen in ordinary cultivated fields, and is never used for
hay, as it is only found in tufts and sparsely.” (Ravenel, quoted by
Vasey.)
“Tt is eaten by horses and cattle, and in some districts of India is
considered to be a good fodder-grass, though Roxburgh says that
cattle are not fond of it; this remark may, however, apply chiefly to
the Bengal form, which the nature of the climate would render more
rank and unpalatable.” (Duthie.)
Other uses —A decoction of this grass is said to be used in British
Guiana in the convulsions of infants.
Habitat and range.—A native of Queensland and New South Wales,
which is advancing down the coast and has arrived at least as far
south as Port Jackson. It is found in most warm countries.
75. LEPTOCHLOA.
Spikelets several-flowered, or rarely one-flowered, sessile in two rows
along one side of the slender usually numerous branches of a simple
panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet articulate above the outer glumes
and more or less produced above the flowering ones.
Glumes keeled, acute or obtuse, unawned, the two outer empty ones
shorter or rarely as long as the flowering ones.
Palea prominently two-nerved or folded.
Grain smooth or nearly so, the pericarp very thin and adnate.
Spikelets five- or six-fowered. Flowering glumes rather obtuse. At
Spikes dense, mostly crowded at the end of the rhachis... 1. L. subdigitata.
Spikes slender, scattered along the long slender rhachis... 2. L. chinensis,
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ee
157
1. Leptochloa subdigitata, Trin.
Botanical name—Leptochloa—Greek, leptos, slender, chloe grass ;
subdigitata—Latin, sub having the sense of almost; digitata—Latin,
that which has fingers,—hence a slender grass with the panicle almost
digitate, or spread out like the fingers of a hand.
Synonym.—EHleusine digitata, Spreng.
Vernacular name.— Cane-grass.”
Botanical description (B.Fl. vu, 617).—An erect, rigid, usually
glaucous grass, attaining 4 or 5 ft.
Leaves short, with rigid rather loose sheaths.
Spikes or panicle branches 6 to 10, crowded at the end of the peduncle, with usually
1 or 2 lower down, 2 to 4 inches long.
Spikelets 14 or rarely 2 lines long, five- or six-flowered, the rhachis bearing a few
short hairs under each glume.
Glumes about 4 line long, obtuse, or almost acute, the outer empty ones usually
rather smaller, especially the lowest.
Palea folded.
Grain oblong, perfectly smooth, the pericarp very thin and adnate.
Value as a fodder.—A tall tussock-grass, with numerous erect
branching leafy stems ; usually met with around dams and river banks,
and affording a large supply of coarse herbage (Bailey).
Habitat and range.—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania and
Victoria. In New South Wales it is found in the interior (Lachlan
River).
2. Leptochloa chinensis, Nees.
Botanical name—chinensis ; a Latinised adjective meaning Chinese,
or belonging to China (the country whence this grass was first
described).
Synonym.—Hleusine chinensis, F.vy.M.
Where figured.—Duthie.
Botanical description (B.F1. vu, 617).—
Stems from a creeping and rooting base ascending to 2 or 3 feet, glabrous and usually
slender.
Leaves narrow, flat, tapering to a point.
Panicle 6 inches to above 1 foot long, the numerous simple branches scattered or
clustered along the rhachis, very slender, 2 to 4 inches long, or in the smaller
weaker specimens under 2 inches.
Spikelets sessile or nearly so, distant or rather crowded, narrow, 1 to 2 lines long,
usually four- to six-flowered.
Outer empty glumes rather unequal, acute, flowering ones broader, obtuse.
Value as a fodder—Used more or less for fodder in Northern
India, though nothing definite appears to be known regarding its real
value. (Duthie.) The same remarks may be applied to this grass as
far as New South Wales is concerned. Stock eat it.
Habitat-and range.-—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
In the former colony it is confined to localities between the northern
rivers and the table-land, usually on the banks of streams. It is also
found in Asia.
158
76. DIPLACHNE.
Spikelets several- often many-flowered, linear, sessile, or very
shortly pedicellate, but distant along the rhachis of a simple spike or
of the elongated branches of a simple panicle, the rhachis of the
spikelet articulate and usually hairy under the flowering glumes.
Outer empty glumes keeled, acute, unawned.
Flowering glumes with a hyaline shortly two-lobed apex, the keel
produced into a short point or awn between or shortly below the lobes.
Palea thin, prominently two-nerved.
Styles short, distinct.
Grain smooth, free.
Spike slender, simple... 7 = a4 op ss =
Spikes numerous in a simple panicle. Spikelets usually dark-
coloured, 4 lines long or rather more, with more than six
flowers, rhachis glabrous, or nearly so... 5a se sew te OLD, JULEE.
1, D. loliiformis.
1. Diplachne loliiformis, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Diplachne Greek, diplous two-fold or double,
achne, chaff (glume), the flowering-glume being two-lobed ; lolitformis,
Latin, having the general appearance of the grasses belonging to the
genus Loliwm.
Botanical description (B. F1., vu, 618).—A slender apparently annual
erect grass, usually 6 to 8 mches, but a few specimens above 1 foot
high.
Leaves chiefly at the base, short and narrow, usually sprinkled with a few long
hairs, the sheaths ciliate at the orifice, with a short jagged ligula.
Spike slender and simple, 2 to 4 inches long, on a long peduncle.
Spikelets sessile, rather distant, erect and appressed, turned somewhat to one side,
narrow, 8 to 4 lines long, six- to twelve-flowered, the rhachis hairy round the
flowering glumes.
Flowering glumes about 1 line long, glabrous, three-nerved, the central nerve pro-
duced into a fine point or awn shortly exceeding the hyaline lobes.
Value as a fodder.—Quite a small grass, eaten by sheep, but not of
much value for forage.
Habitat and range.—FYound in all the colonies except Tasmania and
Western Australia. An interior species. Found also in Asia.
3. Diplachne fusca, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Fusca, Latin, brownish or tawny, referring to
the colour of the spikelets.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 619).—A glabrous erect grass of
several feet.
Leaves narrow, convolute when dry, with long loose sheaths, the ligula jagged.
Panicle narrow, 6 inches to 1 foot long, with erect branches, the lower ones long.
Spikelets sessile or nearly so, rather distant, erect, linear, six- to ten-flowered, about
4 lines long or rather more and straw-coloured, or longer and dark, the rhachis
glabrous or slightly hairy under each glume.
Flowering glumes nearly 2 lines long, shortly ciliate on the margins in the lower part,
prominently three-nerved, the keel produced into a short point between or just
below the short hyaline terminal lobes.
Keels of the palea shortly ciliate.
159
Value as a fodder.—Readily eaten by stock and believed to be a
very nutritious grass. ‘“ Buffaloes are said to be very fond of this
grass,” in India. (Duthie.)
Habitat and range-—Found in all the colonies except ‘Tasmania,
usually in damp, often brackish situations. It is an interior species.
It also occurs in Africa and India, and “in the plains of Northern India
where water is hable to lodge. T have observed it in great abundance
in the more depressed portions of the saline usar tracts in the Aligarh
district.” (Duthie.)
Sub-tribe vii—Miliex.
77. Sporobolus. 79. Isachne.
81. Hriachne.
SPOROBOLUS.
Spikelets small, one-flowered, nearly sessile or pedicellate in a narrow
spikelike or loose and pyramidal panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet
very short, glabrous, scarcely articulate, not continued beyond the
flower.
Glumes three, persistent or separately deciduous, unawned, slightly
keeled or convex and obscurely nerved, two outer empty ones usually
unequal ; flowering glume as long or longer.
Palea about as long as the glume, with two nerves usually prominent,
and readily splitting between them.
Styles very short.
Grain free, readily falling away from the glume, the pericarp loosely
enclosing the seed or very thin and evanescent.
Panicle narrow, spikelike, continuous or interrupted, the short erect
branches flowering from the base.
Outer and flowering glumes nearly equal. Leaves a
short, rigid, and spreading ... ; 3% ‘.. 1. S&S. virginicus.
Outer pianos unequal, shorter than the Aewetings ones. Sieeebves
rather long 7 2. S. indicus.
Panicle narrow, loose, with see spaecaiiets eeaared ——— .. 38. 8, diander,
Panicle loosely pyramidal, the branches spreading in regular distant
whorls.
Spikelets loosely pedicellate, minute.
Leaves rigidly ciliate. Glumes obtuse = vcs w. 4 S&S, pulchellus.
Leaves not at all or minutely ciliate. Glumes narrow,
acute .. 5, S&S. Lindley.
Spikelets nearly sessile, pronded Hae the iiemetohies sae ...6. 8. actinocladus.
1. Sporobolus virginicus, Kunth.
Botanical name.—Sporobolus, Greek sporos, a seed, bolos a throw with
a casting-net, in allusion to the grains, which are on the outside of the
panicle, as if they had fallen, or been thrown out; virginicus, a
Latinised word, Virginian, from the American locality whence the
grass was first described.
160
Where figured.—Labillardiére, as Agrostis virginica, Trinius as Vilfa
virginica.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 621).—
Stems much branched and leafy at the base, erect or decumbent, 6 to 10 inches, or
rarely 1 foot high.
Leaves short and narrow, often very spreading, convolute when dry, rather rigid,
glabrous or ciliate at the base.
Panicle rather dense, narrow and spikelike or rather more branched at the base,
1 to 13 inches long, often rather dark-coloured.
Glumes keeled, rather acute, about 1 line long, the two outer and flowering one
similar, or the lowest rather smaller.
Palea rather longer, the two nerves close together so as to represent a broad keel,
but very readily splitting, showing an inflexed margin between the nerves.
Grain broadly obovoid, the very thin pericarp separable when soaked, but undis-
tinguishable in the dried state.
Var., (7?) pallida, Benth. ‘Taller, often above 1 foot high; leaves
narrower, and often more erect; spike looser, 2 to 4 inches long, the
spikelets often small and pale-coloured. Found on the Richmond and
Darling Rivers in this Colony; also in Queensland and Northern
Australia.
Value as a fodder—This grass has something of the habit of
Couch grass (Cynodon), and is particularly valuable for saline situations.
Cattle become readily accustomed to it, and it is a nutritious grass.
In Jamaica horses become rapidly and astonishingly fat while
feeding upon this grass. (Jenman.)
Habitat and range——Found in all the colonies, usually im saline
country near tidal rivers, or near the sea-shore. Occurs also in Asia,
Africa, and America.
2. Sporobolus indicus, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Indicus, Latin, Indian.
Vernacular names.—“ Parramatta Grass,” “ Rat-tail Grass,” “ Chi-
lian Grass,” “ Jil-crow-a-berry”’ of the aborigines of the Cloncurry
River, Northern Australia. “Smut Grass,” “ Carpet Grass,” and
“ Drop-seed Grass”? are American names. The Brazilian name is
Capim maurao.
Where figured.—Trinius as Vilfa tenacissima, Vasey, Buchanan (as
S. elongatus), Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B.F1., vu, 622).—An erect tufted grass of 1
to 2 feet, glabrous except a few cilia at the base of the leaves.
Leaves chiefly at the base of the stem, narrow, ending in fine points, the upper ones
few with long sheaths.
Spikelike panicle very narrow, 3 to 8 inches or even longer, continuous throughout
or when long often much interrupted.
Spikelets very numerous, crowded along the very short erect almost imbricate or
distant branches.
Outer glumes almost hyaline, obtuse, one-nerved, the lowest about 4 line, the second
2 line long, flowering glume about 1 line, of a firmer consistence, broad but
almost tapering to a point, one-nerved (the whole spikelet rather smaller in
some specimens).
161
Palea nearly as long, faintly two-nerved.
Grain broadly obovoid, the very thin pericarp sometimes appearing loose, though
often evanescent or undistinguishable in the dried state.
Var. elongatus. Very like the type, but with narrower leaves,
longer and looser panicle, and not quite so tufty.
Value as a fodder.—This tough grass has been known to pull the
teeth out of cattle and horses which feed on it as other grass becomes
scarce. When young it is often eaten with other pasture, but it soon
becomes fibrous. It is a coarse grass, seeds freely, and disfigures a
paddock or lawn of finer grasses.
Mr. Thos. H. Kearney, jun., of the U.S. Department of Agriculture,
obligingly gave me the following note on this grass in the United
States :—
“ Sporobolus indicus is not, to my knowledge, anywhere cultivated in
the States, though a farmer in Florida told me he intended to sow it
on his land. But it is held in high esteem in the South for pasturage,
especially for horses. It has the merit of growing readily on sandy
commons where few other grasses will thrive in that part of the
country. Here, as with you, it becomes very hard when old, and is
consequently unfit for hay. I should not think to recommend it for
cultivation anywhere, as it grows in clumps and makes no turf.
“This grass is a native of India, but has spread over most tropical
and warm climates. It occurs more or less abundantly in all the
Southern States, and is called Smut-grass, from the fact that after the
flowering the heads become affected with a black smut. It grows in
tufts or loose patches, from 1} to 3 feet high.”
Professor Phares says: “It grows abundantly and luxuriantly on
many uncultivated fields and commons, and furnishes grazing from
April till frost. It thrives under much grazing and many mowings,
and grows promptly after each if the soil is moist enough. Cattle and
horses are fond of it, if it is frequently cut or grazed down, but if
allowed to remain untouched long they will not eat it unless very
hungry, as it becomes tough and unpalatable and probably difficult to
digest.” (Vasey.)
In the Gujranwala district (Punjab) it is considered to be a good
fodder-grass, especially for horses. At Balaghat (Central Provinces)
it is used as fodder when young. (Duthie.)
Other uses.—Used in the manufacture of hats in Madagascar. (Kew
Bulletin, 1890, 212.) “ While the plant is not used industrially in
this country (United States), it is employed in southern Brazil as a
straw-plait material. The stalks from the flower to the last knot
serve for the manufacture of straw-plait used for hats and other
articles made of straw, which are softened by means of sulphur.”
(Dodge.) The stalks are steeped several hours in water, when the
seeds are easily rubbed out, and then ground between two stones and
baked for bread by the Cloncurry, Queensland, natives. (H. Palmer.)
Habitat and range—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania.
In New South Wales it is found in the coast district, and rarely in the
high table-land. It is not truly indigenous in many of its present
localities. It is also found in Asia, Africa, America, and New Zealand.
L
162
3. Sporobolus diander, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Diander, Greek dis, two, aner andros, aman (sta-
men), this grass having but two stamens in the flower.
Where figured.—Duthie, Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 622).—An erect glabrous grass of
1 to 2.or even 8 feet.
Leaves chiefly at the base, narrow, the upper sheaths not covering the stem,
Panicle narrow but loosely pyramidal, 6 inches to about 1 foot long, the branches
scattered, at length spreading.
Spikelets very shortly pedicellate or almost sessile, # to 1 line long.
Outer empty glumes very obtuse; hyaline, the upper one about 4 line, the other
shorter.
Flowering glume longer, slightly keeled, obtuse or almost acute.
Palea broad, obtuse, faintly two-nerved, and not so readily splitting as in the other
species.
Grain broadly obovoid, the pericarp not readily separable.
Value as a fodder.—lLike the preceding species, it has some value
when young, but when it becomes mature it is fibrous, and stock eat
it only when compelled to do so by hunger. It is said to be readily
eaten by horses and cattle at Lahore; is also favourably mentioned at
Gujranwala and Shahpur in India. (Duthie.)
Habitat and range-—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
In New South Wales it is found from the coast to the Dividing Range,
from the Blue Mountains north. As regards Queensland, Bailey says
it is always met with on good land, especially on river flats. It also
occurs in Asia.
4, Sporobolus pulchellus, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Pulchellus, Latin, pretty, the grass being orna-
mental when in flower.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 623).—
Stems tufted, 6 inches to 1 foot high.
Leaves chiefly at the base, flat or keeled, broad or narrow, rather rigid, bordered by
rigid cilia, tuberculate at the base.
Panicle loosely pyramidal, 2 to 5 inches long, with numerous capillary spreading
branches verticillate at regular intervals.
Spikelets pedicellate, not 4 line long, shining.
Glumes almost hyaline, rather obtuse, slightly keeled, the second outer empty one
and the flowering one nearly equal and similar, the lowest empty one about 4 as
long, narrow but obtuse.
Palea very readily splitting in two.
Grain globular, enclosed in a loose hyaline pericarp.
Value as a fodder.—Similar to S. actinocladus, but not abundant.
Habitat and range.—It extends from New South Wales to Northern
Australia. As regards New South Wales, it is found in the dry north
west.
163
5. Sporobolus Lindleyi, Benth.
Botanical name.—Lindleyi, in honour of J. Lindley, the celebrated
British botanist who described a number of Australian plants.
Vernacular name.—“ Yak-ka Berry,’ of the aborigines of the
Cloncurry River, North Queensland.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 623).—Nearly allied to S. pul-
chellus.
Leaves narrow, not at all or only very shortly ciliate.
Panicle very loose, broad)y pyramidal, 3 to 5 inches long and broad when fully out,
the branches capillary, the lower ones elongated in a dense verticil, the upper
ones more scattered.
Spikelets 4 to # line long.
Glumes very acute, the lowest outer one very small and narrow, the second also
empty, and the flowering glume nearly equal, usually dark-coloured.
Palea usually divided to the base into two, even at the time of flowering.
Seeds enclosed in a loose pericarp, as in S. pwlehellus.
Value as a fodder.—This is one of the prettiest of our native grasses.
It is at the same time nutritious and readily eaten by stock.
Other uses.—The fine seeds are gathered and ground up with water
into a paste and baked in the ashes by some Queensland aborigines.
(E. Palmer.)
Habitat and range.—It is found in all the colonies except Tasmania.
In New South Wales it extends from the table-land to the interior.
6. Sporobolus actinocladus, I'.v.M.
Botanical name.—Actinocladus, Greek, actis, actinos, a ray (of the
sun), a spoke of a wheel, &c.; clados, a young branch or shoot, the
panicle branches being verticillate (rayed).
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 625).—
Stems 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves flat, tapering to fine points, glabrous.
Panicle pyramidal, 3 to 5 inches long, the branches numerous, spreading, the lower
ones or nearly all verticillate at regular intervals, the upper ones scattered, all
capillary and shortly bare at the base, but bearing narrow dense spikelike
partial panicles of 4 to 1 inch,
Spikelets sessile and crowded, nearly 1 line long.
Outer glume very small, hyaline, almost obtuse; second very acute, keeled, 4 to ¢
line long.
Flowering glume similar, but longer.
Palea divided into two from the base, even at the time of flowering.
Seed enclosed in a loose pericarp.
Value as a fodder.—A useful grass for the dry, hot districts of the
colony.
Habitat and range.-—Found in all the colonies except Western Aus-
tralia, Tasmania, and Victoria. It occurs in the dry western districts
of New South Wales.
164
79. ISACHNE.
Spikelets two-flowered, both flowers hermaphrodite or the upper
female or the lower male, small in loose panicles, the rhachis of the
spikelet articulate above the empty glumes, glabrous and not produced
above the flowering ones.
Glumes unawned, convex, faintly nerved, two outer empty ones
nearly equal; flowering ones of a firmer consistence, closely sessile or
the upper one shghtly raised.
Palea as long as the glume.
Styles distinct.
Grain enclosed in the hardened glume and palea, free from them.
1. Isachne australis, R. Br.
Botanical name.—Isachne—Greek, isos, equal ; achne, chaff (glume),
the two outer glumes being equal; australis, Latin, southern (Aus-
tralian).
Synonym.—Panicum atrovirens, Trin.
Vernacular name.—* Swamp Millet.”
Where figured.—Buchanan ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 625).—
Stems rather slender, decumbent, creeping, and rooting at the lower nodes, ascending |
to 1 foot or more.
Leaves lanceolate, rough, with a minute pubescence.
Panicle loose, spreading, ovoid in circumscription, 14 to 3 inches long, with numerous
filiform branches.
Spikelets all pedicellate, nearly 1 line long.
Outer glume quite glabrous.
Lower flower usually male, with a glabrous glume, the upper female, shortly stipitate,
with the glume usually minutely and slightly pubescent, the rhachis slightly
dilated, and articulate immediately under the upper glume.
Value as a fodder.—A swamp-loving grass, nutritious, and readily
eaten by stock. It is a tender, green grass, of rapid growth,
and bears abundance of seed. Symonds, “Indian Grasses,” p. 33,
says that horses and cattle are_very fond of it. (Duthie).
Habitat and range-—Found in Victoria, New South Wales, and
Queensland. In New South Wales it extends from the coast to the
tableland. Its favourite habitat is swampy land, or by the sides of
streams. It also occurs in New Zealand, and in tropical Asia from
Ceylon and the Peninsula to the Malayan Archipelago and South China.
81. ERIACHNE.
Spikelets two-flowered, usually not very numerous, in a loose or
dense panicle, the flowers both hemaphrodite and similar, the rhachis
of the spikelet articulate above the outer glumes and hairy round the
flowering ones.
Empty glumes two, persistent, acute or tapering into a point or short
awn, many- (usually nine- to eleven-) nerved.
Flowering glumes with fewer nerves, with long spreading hairs on
the back or margins, awnless or tapering into a fine straight or curved
awn not twisted.
165
Palea very flat, often hairy on the back, with two prominent almost
marginal nerves.
Styles distinct, short.
Grain more or less flattened, enclosed in the glume and _ palea, free
from them.
Fungi found on EHriachne.-—Sorosporium eriachnes, Thun., and
Ustilago australis, Cooke, have both been recorded from Eriachie sp.
Awns not longer than the glumes. Panicle loose. Spikelets pedicellate,
usually few.
Leaves glabrous, flat. Outer glumes hairy, about 4 lines long.
Flowering glume hairy allover... Sec Aer oe ... 10. £. aristidea.
Awn none or reduced to a very small point.
Panicle narrow. Spikelets pedicellate. Outer glumes about 3 lines
long. ‘Tall plant, with glabrous flat leaves... a: ... 15. #. pallida.
Panicle loose or reduced to two or three spikelets. Outer glumes
not above 2 lines long. Leaves not pungent, the upper ones
distant. Spikelets about 2 lines long.
Flowering glumes mucronate... ee oes re 17. EB. mucronata.
Flowering glumes obtuse or scarcely acute ... onc ae .. 18, E. obtusa,
10. Eriachne aristidea, F.v.M.
Botanical Names.—Eriachne—Greek, erios, wool; achne, chaff
(glume), the glumes being woolly or hairy; aristidea, resembling a
grass of the genus Aristida in habit.
Botanical description (B. FL, vu, 629).—
Stems branching and often Fiala dai at the base, ascending to from 3 to 13 feet,
the nodes usually bearded.
Leaves flat, glabrous, the sheaths often broad.
Panicle loose, with few spreading branches.
Spikelets shortly pedicellate.
Outer glumes usually purplish, about 4 lines long, acute, sprinkled with spreading
hairs arising from tubercles.
Flowering glumes densely silky-hairy except at the top, tapering into an awn scarcely
so long as the glume itself.
Palea hairy, tapering into a deeply bifid awnlike point.
Value as a fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Victoria. An interior species.
15. Eriachne pallida, F.v.M.
Botanical Names.—Pallida—Latin, pale, veferrmg to the inflor-
escence.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 631).—
Stems apparently about 2 feet high, slender, and branching.
Leaves flat but narrow, with subulate points, glabrous.
Panicle loose but narrow, 2 to 4 inches long, the spikelets all pedicellate.
Outer glumes glabrous, about 3 lines long, tapering into fine points.
Flowering glumes longer, with fine points, scarcely awned, glabrous on the back
except near the base, the margins ciliate with long hairs,
Palea hairy, tapering to a fine bifid point.
Value as a fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range——Found in New South Wales; also from New
South Wales to Northern Australia. An interior species.
166
17. Eriachne mucronata, R. Br.
Botanical names.—Mucronata—Latin, sharp-pointed (mucronate),
the flowering glumes being tipped with short points.
Botanical description (B. F1., vu, 6382).—
Stems very slender, but rigid ; about 1 foot high.
Leaves short, spreading, subulate, with fine points, but not so pungent as in Z.
seleranthoides, the lower sheaths sprinkled with rigid hairs, or glabrous, the
upper ones distant.
Panicle rather loose, 1 to 1} inches long, of few spikelets, closely resembling those
of Z. obtusa, but rather larger; and the
Flowering glumes tipped with short points exceeding the outer glumes.
Value as a fodder—Not known.
Habitat and range.—Found in South Australia, New South Wales,
and Queensland. An interior species.
18. Eriachne obtusa, R. Br.
Botanical names.—Obtusa—Latin, blunt, or obtuse, referring to the
appearance of the spikelets when in fruit.
Where figured.—Agriculiural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 632).—A variable grass, usually 1
to 2 feet high, often branched in the lower part.
Leaves narrow, flat, or subulate, glabrous, or the lower sheaths sprinkled with rigid
hairs.
Panicle loose, sometimes much-branched and 4 inches long, sometimes almost reduced
to a raceme of half a dozen spikelets.
Spikelets ovoid, about 2 lines long, appearing acute when young, assuming the obtuse
aspect when in fruit.
Outer glumes membranous, acute, with fewer nerves than in most species (usually five),
sprinkled on the back and ciliate with a few long hairs, rarely quite glabrous.
Flowering glumes about as long, more obtuse, rarely with a minute point, densely
ciliate to the top, and sprinkled on the back with spreading hairs.
Palea entire, slightly hairy.
Grain much flattened.
Value as a fodder—* A fairly good pasture-grass, suitable for sheep ;
it is variable as to height, but generally branches much from the base,
and before seeding makes a good leafy bottom.” (Bailey.)
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies, exeept Tasmania and
Victoria. Believed to be exclusively an interior species until recently
discovered in the Port Jackson district.
Sub-tribe iv.—Festucacee.
82. Ectrosia. 92. Poa.
85. Phragmites. 95. Schedonorus.
86. Distichlis. 94. Glyceria.
87. Elytrophorus. 96. Bromus.
91. Eragrostis. 98. Festuca.
82. ECTROSIA.
Spikelets with one or rarely two fertile flowers, and two or more
male flowers or empty glumes above them, in a terminal panicle; the
rhachis of the spikelet articulate above the two outer glumes.
167
Outer empty glumes unawned, the second rarely with a short point;
glume of the perfect flower with a prominent point or short awn, the
upper glumes tapering into fine straight awns.
Styles distinct.
Grain enclosed in the thin or scarcely hardened glume and palea.
2. Ectrosia leporina, R.Br.
Botanical name.—Ectrosia—Greek, ectrope, a turning off or aside;
leporina—Latin, pertaining to a hare, referring to the softness of the
panicle.
Vernacular name.—“ Hare’s-tail Grass.”
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 633).—A glabrous, slender grass,
attaining 2 feet or more, but sometimes smaller.
Leaves very narrow, ending in subulate points.
Panicle narrow, dense, 3 to 6 inches long, the fine awns giving it much of the aspect
of Triraphis mollis.
Spikelets crowded along the short erect branches, often purplish, the very short
pedicels often bearing a few long hairs.
Outer glumes narrow, very acute, about | line long.
Flowering glume nearly as long, narrow, hyaline, one-nerved, slightly notched, with
a fine awn nearly as long as the glume.
Terminal empty glumes, usually two or three, smaller than the flowering one, but
with longer fine awns.
Value as a fodder.—*“ A rather slender, dry, tufty grass; often attains
a height of 2 feet.” (Bailey.) Itis ornamental, and is reputed to be a
useful fodder grass.
Habitat and range-—Found in New South Wales and throughout
Queensland and North Australia. An interior species in New South
Wales.
85. PHRAGMITES.
Spikelets three- or more-flowered, flat when open, all pedicellate in a
large, much-branched panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet elongated
between the flowering glumes, and covered with very long silky hairs,
enveloping the flowers.
Glumes thin, keeled, the two outer ones empty, acute, or shortly
pointed; the third like them, but with a longer point, and enclosing a
male or rudimentary flower; the others more distant, with long, almost
awnlike points, the rhachis termimating in a rudimentary glume or
bristle-like point.
Palea two-ribbed.
Stigmas nearly sessile.
Fungi found on this genus.—Coniosporium inquinas, Dk. and Mont.,
W.A., has been recorded on a species of Arundo (Phragmites).
Puccinia phragmites, Schum., has been recorded from Phragmites sp.
168
1. Phragmites communis, Trin.
Botanical name.—Phragmites—Greek, phragma, a fence or palisade,
the stems of this grass being used for such a purpose ; communis—
Latin, common.
Synonym.—Arundo Phragmites, Linn.
Vernacular name.—* Reed-grass.”
Where figured.—Sowerby, Vasey.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 636).—A stout perennial, usually 5
or 6 feet high, but sometimes twice as much, with a long creeping
root-stock, and numerous long leaves often an inch broad, the sheaths
covering the stems to the inflorescence.
Panicle 6 inches to 14 feet long, with numerous branches, more or less one-sided and
drooping, often of a purplish-brown tinge.
Spikeletsnumerous, at first very narrow, 4 to 6 lines long, flat and spreading when in
seed, the long silky hairs proceeding from the rhachis, and as long as, or longer,
than the glumes, giving the panicle a beautiful silvery aspect ; the glumes them-
selves and the short part of the rhachis below the third glume quite glabrous.
Value as a fodder.—* A tall, coarse, perennial grass, growing on the
borders of ponds and streams, almost rivalling Sorghum in luxuriance.
It-is resorted to by cattle only when finer and more nutritious grasses
fail.’ (Vasey.) “ Used as fodder when quite young.” (Duthie.)
This well-known plant, growing sometimes to over 15 feet high, is
the tallest of our grasses, and at times a very useful one, too, for
grazing purposes, as those who have known the reed-beds in Riverina
and elsewhere can testify.
“Tn situations where the reed grows here, some of the most valuable
pasture grasses, native and exotic, will grow also.” (Bacchus.)
Other uses.—This grass was formerly much utilised by the aborigines
of Victoria for making bags or baskets, and a figure of one made of
this material will be found in Brough Smyth’s “ Aboriginals of
Victoria,” i, 348. It is not valuable for agricultural purposes, but it
is of great importance for binding the earth on river banks with its
extensively creeping root-stocks. The dry plant yields 4°7 per cent.
of ash, and an analysis by Schulz-Fleeth will be found in “ Watt’s
Dict.,” i, 418. The reed is turned to account in so many ways,
or rather used to be, that I copy some of them from ‘‘ Withering’s
British Plants” :—“ In Sweden by it the country people used to dye
woollen cloth green. For thatching, reeds are more durable than straw.
Garden screens are made of them, and they make a good foundation
for plaster floors. They are also in demand by brickmakers. Till the
introduction (in the seventh century) of pens made from quills of
birds, they were in general use for writing. They also occasionally
serve for arrows. The young shoots, cut from the roots, when not
exposed to the light, make an excellent pickle. The nest of the Sedge-
warbler is generally found suspended between the stems at a small
height from the ground. Entomologists may sometimes find a con-
siderable variety of insects on the panicles, where they resort for food
or shelter.”
Disticahs mnaritimas. Rati:
““Salt-grass.”’
169
“The largest panicles form very ornamental plumes, almost equal to
those of Arwndo donax, so much cultivated for ornamental purposes.”
(Vasey.)
“ Sandals are made from the stems in Lodak, India.” (Duthie.)
In addition to the above uses, Hackel observes that the culms are
used for the mouthpieces of musical instruments, weavers’ spools, &c.,
and an infusion of the root is used as a diuretic.
“In Mexico where the plant grows 20 to 25 feet high (near the
water), the stems are used for various purposes by the natives accord-
ing to Dr. E. Palmer, who says they cut it into certain lengths, and,
haying split it, beat it flat and then weave it in and out, making a large
square mat, with which they form the ends of their houses. They
place it over the rafters before the tule thatch is put on. It is also
used to cover verandahs and as screens for doors.’ (Dodge.)
Habitat and range—In swampy localities, all over the Colony. Found
in all the other Colonies, and in many countries of the Old and New
World.
86. DISTICHLIS.
Spikelets several-flowered, dicecious, shortly pedicellate in a narrow
panicle often reduced to two or three spikelets, the rhachis glabrous,
articulate between the flowering glumes—at least in the females.
Outer empty glumes narrow, keeled.
Flowering glumes broader, keeled, many-nerved, all acute, unawned.
Palea folded, the keels very prominent or narrowly winged.
Stamens in the males three, without any or with a small rudimentary
ovary.
Staminodia in the females very rare.
Lodicules broad.
Ovary glabrous, tapering into two rather long styles with exserted
stigmas.
Grain obovoid or elliptical, free, with a thick spongy pericarp.
1. Distichlis maritima, Rafin.
Botanical name.—Distichlis—Greek, distichos, of two rows, refer-
ring to the leaves which are so placed ; maritima—Latin, belonging to
the sea, this being a coast grass.
Synonym.—Festuca distichophylla, Hook. f.
Vernacular names.—“ Salt-grass ” and ‘ Alkaline-grass” of the
United States ; “ Spike-grass” and “ Quack-grass” are also American
names. The first two names are in allusion to the saline land in which
this grass will flourish. I do not know any name which has been
adopted in these colonies, and suggest that “Salt-grass ” is as good as
any.
Where figured.—Vasey ; Labillardiére, as Uniola distichophylla.
170
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 637).—A rigid, glabrous, much-
branched grass, forming broad low leafy tufts, the branches sometimes
growing out to 1 foot covered to the inflorescence with the leaf-
sheaths.
Leaves narrow, rigid, very acute or pungent-pointed, usually distichously spreading.
Spikelets few, two or three in the females, rather more in the males, 6 to 9 lines long
in the Australian specimens, rather smaller and more numerous in some American
ones, flat but rather thick, eight- to twelve-flowered.
Glumes closely imbricate, about 3 lines long, rather rigid and straw-coloured,
Anthers in the males long.
Stigmas in the females protruding from the end of the glumes.
Value as a fodder — Although this cannot be considered a first-rate
grass for agricultural purposes, it is freely cut with other marsh
grasses, and on the alkaline plains of the Rocky Mountains of the
United States it affords an inferior pasturage.” (Vasey.)
“This dwarf creeping grass is of great value for binding: soil,
forming rough lawns; is useful for edging garden plots in arid places,
and covering coast sand.” (Mueller.)
In our own colony it has no recognised pastoral value, but it is un-
doubtedly useful as a sand-binder, consolidating land close to the edge
of the sea, and affording a bite for stock in such localities. Of its
comparative nutritive value we know nothing, but judging from its
harsh nature it does not promise much.
Habitat and range.—A sea-coast grass, found in all the Colonies
except Western Australia and Queensland.
‘Grows in marshes near the sea-coast on both sides of the American
Continent, and also abundantly in alkaline soil throughout the arid
districts of the Rocky Mountains.” (Vasey.)
“ Prospectors and miners in California consider its presence a sure
sign of water near the surface, and when crossing the desert select
spots where it grows to dig for water.” (Orcutt.)
Reference to Plate.—a. The spike-like inflorescence, showing the closely-imbricate
glumes. 8. c. Two pairs of the lowest glumes from an immature female plant.
87. ELYTROPHORUS.
Spikelets small and flat, few-flowered, sessile, in dense compound
globular clusters crowded in a cylindrical spike or the lower ones
distant, the rhachis of the spikelet glabrous, articulate under the
flowering glumes.
Outer empty glumes narrow, membranous, keeled with short points.
Flowering glumes three-nerved, tapering into long points or short
awuns, one or two upper glumes empty or with male flowers.
Palea folded, with two dorsal wings.
Stamen one.
Styles free, distinct.
Gram smooth, free.
171
1, Elytrophorus articulatus, Beauy.
Botanical name.—Hlytrophoruws—Greek, eleutron, a covering ; phoreo,
IT bear, in allusion to the large outerglume; artic iberthass Tain jointed,
referring to the interrupted (joimted) spike-like panicle.
Where figured.—Duthie.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 638).—An erect glabrous annual,
from under 6 inches to rather above 1 foot high, including the
inflorescence.
Leaves flat, often longer than the stem, with loose sheaths.
Spikelets small and very numerous, the globular clusters sessile in a cylindrical spike
3 to 4 lines diameter, and often occupying the greater part of the plant, either
Boone throughout or interrupted and shortly branched at the base.
Glumes rarely 1 line long without the points, the awns of the flowering ones about
as long as or rarely ‘longer than the glume.
Dorsal wings of the palea entire or denticulate, either both or one only rather broad.
Value as a fodder—A handsome grass of little importance to the
erazier.
Habitat and range.—¥ound in all the Colonies except Western Aus-
tralia and Tasmania. It is an interior species with us. It is found
on the plains of Northern India on damp clay soils; also in other
countries of tropical Asia and in Africa.
91. ERAGROSTIS.
Spikelets several- usually many-flowered, pedicellate or sessile, in a
loose and spreading or narrow and clustered panicle, the rhachis of the
spikelet usually glabrous and articulate under the flowermg glumes,
but often very tardily so, and sometimes inarticulate.
Outer empty glumes unequal and rather shorter than the flowering
ones, keeled, without any or only faint lateral nerves.
Flowering glumes obtuse or acute, unawned, three-nerved, the keel
prominent, the lateral nerves in a few species very faint.
Palea shorter than the glume, with two prominent nerves or keels,
often persisting after the glume and grain have fallen away.
Grain free, ovoid or oblong, not furrowed.
Suction I.—CHAUNOSTACHYA.
Spikelets somewhat flattened, the glumes rather distant, loosely imbricate, overlapping
the rhachis at the base, so as not to leave a longitudinal furrow, usually
very thin, with the lateral nerve on each side faint or marginal.
Spikelets usually three- or four-flowered, pedicellate, in a spreading
panicle.
Spikelets very numerous and minute, 4 to . line long. Grain
ovoid, smooth : aoe ; 1. ZH. tenella.
Spikelets on long capillary pedicels, 1 to 2 lines long. | Grain
globular, tuberculate .. 2. H. nigra.
Spikelets | a more than six-flowered. Glumes acute or * rarely
obtuse
Spikelets numerous, pale-coloured, shining, shortly pedicellate
and crowded on the long br anches of anarrow panicle. Grain
broadly obovoid ... 6. H. megalosperma,
Spikelets numerous, very narrow- linear, shortly ‘pedicellate and
distant along the capillary erect branches of the panicle ... 7. HZ. pilosa.
Spikelets not very numerous, linear-lanceolate, pedicellate, in a
spreading panicle ... ae =p he abt ode . 8. H. leptostachya.
172
Srction I].—MeEGaAstTacHya.
Spikelets when mature very flat. Glumes closely imbricate in two distinct rows, leaving
a longitudinal furrow or depression between them on each side of the
spikelet, the lateral nerve usually prominent in the middle of each side of
the glume.
Base of the stems glabrous, not at all or scarcely thickened.
Spikelets under 3 lines, sessile in small dense globular or oblong
clusters sessile along asimple rhachis. Stamens usually two 10. Z. diandra.
Spikelets 3 to 6 lines, rather narrow, usually sessile and erect,
scattered or clustered, rarely shortly pedicellate and spread-
ing in a simple or branched panicle. Stamens usually three 11. 2. Brownii.
Base of the stem and short sheath of radical leaves thickened into
an almost bulbous woolly-hairy base.
Spikelets shortly pedicellate, nearly 2 lines broad, the base of th
flowering glumes woolly-hairy ... an .. 14. #. lanflora.
Spikelets sessile, scattered, glabrous, above 1] line broad ... 15, H. eriopoda.
Spikelets shortly pedicellate, glabrous, about ? line broad ... 16. LH. chetophylla.
Section ITI.—Cy.inprostacuya.
Spikelets very narrow, terete or nearly so ; glumes closely appressed.
Spikelets ten- to thirty-flowered, rather obtuse, shortly pedicellate
in a small panicle .., 500 see ticle oe a= She
Spikelets twelve- to fifty-flowered, obtuse, sessile, usually clustered,
often incurved wie ee ssf = ene aoe ... 18. L. falcata.
17. L. lacunaria.
1. Eragrostis tenella, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Fragrostis, from two Greek words—eros, love,
and agrostis, grass ; hence the name, ‘‘ Love-grass,” an allusion, Paxton
says, ‘‘to the beautiful dancing spikelets” ; tenelda—lLatin, somewhat
tender and dainty, referring to the graceful inflorescence.
Vernacular names.—I know of none. Grasses of the genus Hra-
grostis are sometimes (one can scarcely say popularly) called “ Love-
grasses.”
Where figured.—Duthie.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 643)—An erect, tufted annual,
from 6 inches to near 2 feet high.
Leaves flat, usually narrow, glabrous.
Panicle usually occupying the greater part of the plant, with very numerous
capillary much-divided branches, the lower ones in distant whorls or clusters.
Spikelets pedicellate, minute, rarely # line long, with three or four, or rarely six
flowers.
Glumes thin, almost hyaline, obtuse, about } line long, the lateral nerve on each side
almost marginal, very loosely imbricate, the rhachis articulate.
Palea glabrous, as long as the glume.
Stamens varying one to three.
‘rain very small, ovoid.
Value as a fodder—A small, tufted grass, excellent for pasture.
Duthie says it is eaten by cattle both fresh and dry, and he also states
that the seeds are said to be nutritious.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies, except Tasmania.
In New South Wales it extends from the tableland to the interior. It
is common on the inland plains of Northern Queensland, also in
Central and North Australia, and widely spread through eastern and
tropical Asia.
173
2. Eragrostis nigra, Nees.; var. trachycarpa, Benth.
Botanical name.—Nigra—lLatin, black, in allusion to the colour of
the inflorescence ; trachycarpa—Greek, trachus, rough; carpos,a fruit,—
the grain being rough on the surface (rugose-tuberculate).
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 643).—
Leaves only seen in one specimen, narrow, rather short, glabrous.
Panicle 1 foot long or more, very loose, with very long capillary divided branches,
bearing few small dark-coloured spikelets on long capillary pedicels, the spikelets
ovate, | to 2 lines long, loosely two- to four-flowered, quite glabrous.
Flowering glumes broad, obtuse or scarcely acute, hyaline, the lateral nerves scarcely
conspicuous.
Palea as long, usually broad.
Stamens three, with small anthers.
Grain large in proportion, globular, prominently rugose-tuberculate.
Value as fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range.—Found in New South Wales and Queensland,
also in Asia. In New South Wales it is found in northern New
England.
6. Eragrostis megalosperma, I.v.M.
Botanical name.—Megalosperma, from two Greek words signifying
large-seeded (megalo-sperma).
Botanical description (B. F1., vu, 644).—
Stems 2 to 3 feet high, the branches almost filiform, but often rigid and clustered.
Leaves long and narrow, flat or convolute, glabrous.
Panicle narrow and compact, 3 to 8 inches long, with erect branches.
Spikelets sessile or shortly pedicellate, erect, crowded, linear, about 3 lines long when
fully out, rather silvery-shining, loosely six- to eight-flowered, the rhachis
glabrous, scarcely articulate.
Flowering glumes about 1 line long, acute, the lateral nerves often scarcely
conspicuous except at the base.
Palea nearly as long, scarcely curved.
Stamens usually two, oblong.
Grain broadly ovoid, often three-fourths as long as the glume, readily falling away,
leaving the glume and palea more persistent.
Value as a fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
In the former Colony it is found on the north coast to New England.
7. Eragrostis pilosa, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Pilosa—Latin, hairy, the plant being hirsute.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 645).—A tufted erect or ascending
annual, 1 to near 2 feet high.
Leaves narrow, usually flat.
Panicle 6 inches to 1 foot long, narrow at first, spreading when in fruit, with
numerous long capillary divided branches.
Suikelets 2 to 4 lines long, narrow-linear, usually of a dark leaden colour, but pale
when old, loosely six- to twenty-flowered, the rhachis scarcely articulate.
Glumes thin, distinctly keeled, the lateral nerves faint and short.
Palea nearly as long, slightly ciliate on the keels, often persistent after the glumes
have fallen away.
Grain ovoid-oblong, smooth.
174
Value as a fodder.—A very abundant annual grass, nearly always in
growth, and readily eaten by stock of all kinds. Mr. A. R. Crawford,
in the following note, draws attention to the perfume of this grass. I
have not observed it myself, but Mr. Crawford is a careful observer :—
“Citron-like perfume. In the morning, when the dew begins to dry
off, the scent is very noticeable; in the heat of the day there is a
strong perfume, but quite different from that of the morning. The
scent is given forth lke that from a flower. Rubbimg between the
fingers makes no difference, as with Chrysopogon parviflorus. It is
unfortunate that the scent of the Hragrostis, strong when the plant is
growing, fades at once when it is cut.’”” We have so few records of
odours emitted by grasses, and particularly by Hvragrostis, that the
following is interesting :—‘ H. multiflora, Forsk, or ‘Stink Grass,’ is
coarse and weedy, and has such a disagreeable odour when fresh that
animals do not relish it. This odour disappears on drying.” (South
Dakota Bulletin, No. 40).
“ H. pilosa is relished by buffaloes. Mr. Symonds says that cattle
eat it readily, and that it would make good hay. Mr. Lowrie tells me
that at Ajmere it is considered to be a good fodder grass.” (Duthie.)
Other uses.—It is really a beautiful grass, and well worthy of culti-
vation -for ornamental purposes. The Seeds are used for food in
Ajmere, India, according to Duthie. ‘ H. abyssinnica, Link., is an
important food-plant in Abyssinia. ‘The various-coloured seeds have
the appearance of grits, and the flour made from these is baked into
bread. This grass is probably a cultivated form of H. pilosa.”
(Hackel.)
Habitat and range.-—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania.
Widely diffused in New South Wales. In India, usually m damp or
swampy ground, according to Duthie.
A common weed in the warmer and some temperate regions of the
northern hemisphere, chiefly in the Old World.
8. Eragrostis leptostachya, Steud.
Botanical name.—Leptostachya—Greek, leptos, slender ; stachys, an
ear of corn, the inflorescence being slender.
Vernacular name.— Slender Spiked-grass.”
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 645).—
Stems slender, usually about | ft. high.
Leaves at the base narrow, convolute or setaceous, glabrous.
Panicle loosely pyramidal, 3 to 5 inches long, with slender divided spreading branches.
Spikelets on capillary pedicels of 1 to 3 lines, loosely spreading, about 2 lines long,
narrow, but much broader than in FH. pilosa, much smaller than in 4. Brownit,
loosely six-to ten-flowered, usually dark-coloured.
Glumes acute, more spreading than in JZ. pilosa, the lateral nerves faint and almost
marginal.
Palea nearly as long, glabrous.
Grain ovoid, smooth.
Value as a fodder.—A grass much of the same character as the pre-
ceding, and yielding tender feed for stock.
175
Habitat and range.-—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
As regards New South Wales, occurring from the coast district and
the tableland from the Illawarra northward ; as regards Queensland,
abundant on the high land about Brisbane, reaching almost to the
Darling Downs.
10. Eragrostis diandra, Steud.
Botanical name.—Diandra-diander, ante, p. 162.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 646).—
Stems 1 to 2 feet high.
Leaves very narrow, often convolute, glabrous.
Panicle usually contracted into an interrupted spike of 3 to 6 inches.
Spikelets very numerous, rarely above 2 lines long, flat, scarcely 1 line broad, six-to
twelve-flowered, sessile in dense sessile clusters, the upper ones forming a
cylindrical spike 3 or 4 lines diameter, the lower clusters usually distant, the
lowest oblong or forming a cylindrical sessile spike of 4 inch or more.
Flowering glumes closely distichous, thin, rather obtuse, the lateral nerve in the
centre of each side or near the margin.
Rhachis tardily or not at all articulate.
Palea nearly as long as the glume, incurved.
Stamens two, with small anthers in the flowers examined, but perhaps sometimes
three.
Grain ovoid.
“ An erect grass, very like H. Brownii—perhaps only one of its many
forms—the panicle never spreading, but remaining always spike-like.”
(Bentham.)
Value as a fodder.—‘‘ Excellent for pasture and hay.” (Bailey.)
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania. In
New South Wales, occurring from the coast district to the tableland.
11. Eragrostis Brownii, Nees.
Botanical name.—Brownii, in honor of Robert Brown, author of the
Prodromus and other works, perhaps the most eminent botanist who
has ever specialised on Australian plants.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vi, 646);—A very variable plant in
stature and aspect, usually above 1 foot high, with very narrow flat
or convolute leaves, glabrous except a few cilia at the orifice of the
sheaths, not by any means constant.
Panicle sometimes simple and dense, a few inches long, almost spikelike with
numerous small densely clustered spikelets, always however, longer and more
acute than in #. diandra, sometimes with short spreading branches and few
spikelets, sometimes a foot long with few distant branches and long spikelets
singly scattered or in distinct clusters, and a great variety of intermediate forms.
Spikelets always sessile or very nearly so, fiat, varying from + to } inch long, with
ten to forty flowers, the rhachis very tardily articulate.
Flowering glumes closely distichous, the lateral nerve nearly central on each side and
prominent.
Palea shorter than the glume, incurved, the keels usually minutely ciliate.
Stamens usually three, but sometimes only two even in the larger spikelets.
Grain ovoid-oblong, smooth.
Botanical notes.—* Wasily recognised by its closely packed florets
arranged in dark-coloured and flattened spikelets.” (Duthie.)
176
Var. interrupta, Benth. A larger plant, often 3 or 4 feet high, with
long flat leaves and large spikelets in dense distinct clusters. From
the central coast districts to the mountain ranges and tablelands and
northward into Queensland.
Var. patens, Benth. Panicle loose, often spreading. Spikelets
rather small, most of them shortly pedicellate. Port Jackson to Blue
Mountains ; also Victoria.
Value as a fodder.—A valuable grass, producing for many months
of the year abundance of palatable and nutritious fodder. It shoots
and seeds well.
“Perennial; stems 1 to 2 feet high, common on both rich and
poor soil, producing abundance of foliage. This grass has the great
merit of keeping its verdure during the driest summers. A good
fattening grass. Bears hard feeding. Produces plenty of seed.”
(Bacchus.)
“Keeps beautifully green in the driest Australian summer, even on
poor soil. Pastor Kempe pronounces it to be the best of all grasses
in Central Australian pastures. Eaten down by sheep, but readily
springs up again from the root. No drought seems to subdue it.”
(Mueller.)
Var. interrupta. A stronger grower than the normal species, but
its qualities are much the same.
“ This variety and var. patens have sprung up at Mudgee, New South
Wales, and are increasing. At present large patches of the river flats
are covered with it, but neither sheep nor cattle seem to like it.”
(Hamilton, Proc. Linn. Soc., N.S.W. [2] 1, 302.)
Mudgee is over the Dividing Range, but the opinion of Mr. Bailey
in regard to the coastal Queensland form is much the same :—“ This
is a very tall, or long, straggling, often hoary form, met with along the
coast. Very harsh, and of little value as a fodder, but useful for
binding coast sands, and affording a bite for stock in such localities.”
Habitat and range.—F ound in all the Colonies except Tasmania ; also
in Asia. Widely diffused over New South Wales.
“ EH. Brownii is abundantly naturalised about the Bay of Islands,
and is proving itself a valuable grass.” (Sec., Auckland Acclim. Soc.,
quoted by Bacchus.)
14. Eragrostis laniflora, Benth.
Botanical name.—Laniflora—Latin, lana, wool; flos, floris, flower, the
glumes being enveloped at the base with woolly hairs.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 648).—
Rhizome and somewhat bulbous bases of the stems woolly-hairy.
Stems 1 to 14 feet high, slightly cottony at the nodes.
Leaves narrow, flat, with scabrous sheaths.
Panicle loose, 4 to 6 inches long, with few divaricate or reflexed scabrous branches.
Spikelets very shortly pedicellate, and not numerous, divaricate, or reflexed, very
flat, 4 to 8 inches long, nearly 2 lines broad, with twenty to fifty flowers, the
rhachis tardily articulate.
177
Glumes rather broad, very thin, closely distichous, enveloped at the base in woolly
hairs.
Palea nearly as long, the keels ciliate with soft hairs near the hase.
Stamens three, with rather long anthers.
Grain globular.
Value as a fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range.-—Found in South Australia, Victoria, and New
South Wales. An interior species.
15. Eragrostis eriopoda, Benth.
Botanical name.—Hriopoda—Greek, erios, wool; pous, podos, a foot,
the stems being densely woolly at the base.
Botanical description (B. F1., vir, 648).—
Stems 1 to 14 feet high, somewhat bulbous and densely woolly at the base.
Leaves very narrow, short, the lower sheaths pubescent or hirsute.
Panicle in some specimens reduced to an interrupted spike, in others divided into
spreading branches.
Spikelets nearly sessile, scattered or in pairs, very flat, 3 to 9 lines long, above 1 line
broad, with ten to thirty or more flowers.
Glumes closely distichous but rather spreading, obtuse, almost hyaline, with a dark
green nerve on each side, glabrous.
Palea as long.
Stamens two only in all the flowers examined, with rather large anthers.
Value as a fodder.—Not known.
Habitat and range.—F¥ound in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Victoria. An interior species.
16. Eragrostis chetophylla, Steud.
Botanical name.—Chetophylla—Greek, chxte, a bristle; phylla,
leaves, the leaves being bristle-like.
Synonym.—EH. setifolia, Nees.
Botanical description (B. FIl., vu, 648).—
Stems from a shortly-thickened, almost bulbous, slightly woolly-hairy base densely
tufted, slender but rigid, 6 inches to 1 foot high, often leafy to the inflorescence.
Leaves very narrow, convolute or setaceous, glabrous.
Panicle narrow, 14 to 3 inches long, shortly branched.
Spikelets usually rather numerous, shortly pedicellate, scattered or crowded, flat and
thin, 2 to 4 or rarely 6 lines long, 1 to 1} lines broad, six- to thirty-flowered.
Glumes closely distichous or rather loose, ? line long, obtuse or almost acute, hyaline
or purplish, the lateral nerve prominent on each side at the base.
Palea nearly as long, glabrous.
Stamens three.
Grain small, ovoid-oblong.
Value as a fodder.—Inferior, because of its wiry nature. At the
same time, it provides useful feed when quite young.
Habitat and range-—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania.
An interior species.
17. Eragrostis lacunaria, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Lacunaria—Latin, lacuna, any little hole or hollow
place, perhaps in reference to the localities in which the grass was
originally found.
M
178
Where figured.— Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl, vu, 649). —
Stems slender, almost filiform, but rigid, 6 inches to 1 foot, or rarely 14 feet high,
the base sometimes almost bulbous, but glabrous.
Leaves very narrow, almost setaceous, usually short.
Panicle loose, 2 to 4 inches long, with short, spreading, rather rigid branches.
Spikelets few on the branches, shortly pedicellate, very narrow, 3 to 6 lines long, ten-
to twenty-four-flowered, terete or very slightly flattened.
Flowering glumes closely appressed, broad, obtuse, scarcely ?line long, usually
purple, keeled, but the lateral nerves very faint or obsolete, the rhachis scarcely
articulate.
Palea nearly as long.
“With the habit and inflorescence nearly of H. chetophylla, this has
the spikelets rather of H. falcata.” (Benth.)
Value as a fodder.—A wiry grass of little value.
Habitat and range——F¥ound in all the Colonies except Tasmania
and Western Australia. An interior species.
18. Eragrostis falcata, Gaud.
Botanical name.—Falcata, adjective, from the Latin falz, falcis, a
sickle ; used in botany to denote anything curved, in allusion to the
curving of the spikelets.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 649).—A slender, tufted, glabrous
grass, varying from a few inches to about 1 foot high.
Leaves narrow, convolute, erect.
Panicle narrow, usually secund, slightly compound, 2 to 4 inches long.
Spikelets sessile or nearly so, crowded or clustered along the short branches, very
narrow, nearly terete, often curved, from 4 to 5 lines to 1 inch long and about
% line broad, with twelve to fifty or even more flowers, the rhachis scarcely
articulate.
Flowering glumes closely appressed, scarcely 1 line long, obtuse, hyaline at the end,
the keel and a lateral nerve on each side very prominent.
Palea rather shorter, curved, persistent,
Styles slender.
Grain ovate, flattened.
Value as a fodder.—Isaac Tyson, quoted by Mueller, states that it
is one of the best pasture-grasses in arid tracts in sub-tropical Western
Australia. Such a statement is, of course, only comparative, for the
grass 18 by no means of the highest merit. It is a small grass, wiry
in appearance, with small leaves; nevertheless, it affords useful feed
until it is burnt up by the summer droughts. Much of the plant
consists of inflorescence, and it produces seed readily.
Habitat and range—This grass is found in all the Colonies except
Tasmania. It is an interior species in most of the Colonies, although
it comes near the coast in the south-western part of the Continent. It
is common both on the far mland plains and also on the sand-ridges
that skirt them.
Reference to Plate.—a. A typically falcate spikelet. 3B. Flowering glume, showing
three prominent nerves.
Eragrostis falcata, Gaud.
““The Falcate Love Grass.’’
179
92. POA.
Spikelets several usually few-flowered, in a panicle usually loose and
spreading, rarely narrow and spikelike, the rhachis of the spikelet
articulate between the flowering glumes.
Glumes keeled, unawned, the outer empty ones rather short, one- or
three-nerved, sometimes acute, the flowering ones usually obtuse, five-
nerved, often surrounded by a few loose woolly hairs, rarely with
seven or more nerves.
Palea nearly as long, prominently two-nerved or two-keeled.
Grain enclosed in the glume and palea and falling off with them,
but free or rarely adnate to the palea.
Perennials.—-Grain enclosed in the glume and palea, but free from them.
Leaves setaceous or rigid and convolute or flat ending in long
points. Panicle dense and contracted, or spreading. Spikelets
usually four- to six-flowered. Glumes and palea glabrous or
with woolly hairs at the base ... 3. P. cespitosa..
Leaves flat, narrow, acuminate. Panicle rather dense. Spikelets
five- to eight-flowered, the keels of the glumes ciliate-pubescent.
Stems knotty at the base... Boe Tet sae ae .. 5. P. nodosa.
Annuals.—Leaves flat, flaccid.
Panicle narrow. Spikelets clustered, 3 lineslong. Flowering glumes
seven-to eleven-nerved, the keel ciliate at the base with long
hairs: x: ee — sas sie =e ues “eh ... 8. P, lepida.
3. Poa cespitosa, Forst.
Botanical name.—Poa, the Greek word for grass; cxespitosa—Latin,
pertaining to a turf or sod.
Vernacular names.— Wiry-grass,” called ‘‘ Bowat” by the Yarra
(Victoria) aborigines.
Where figured.—Buchanan ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vu, 651).—An exceedingly variable
species from under | to 3 feet high, usually densely tufted and
glabrous.
Leaves narrow, flat, convolute, or setaceous, chiefly at the base, sometimes longer
than the inflorescence, sometimes very short, the ligula always very short or
obsolete.
Panicle branched, compact, or spreading.
Spikelets usually four- to six-flowered.
Flowering glumes usually surrounded by a few fine woolly hairs, but sometimes the
whole spikelet glabrous, the cilia of the palea-keels when present very minute.
Grain oblong, usually narrow, enclosed in the glume and palea, but free from them.
This is one of the most variable of the Australian grasses, and I
give an account of its principal varieties chiefly from Bentham (Flora
Australiensis) and from Bacchus (Rept., Department Agriculture,
Victoria, 1874).
1. Var. plebeia, Benth.—Tall and leafy, leaves narrow, flat or-more
or less convolute. Panicle exceeding the leaves, rather large and
loose. Glumes 2 to 24 lines long, usually surrounded by a few woolly
hairs. Port Jackson (also Western Australia).
180
Var. latifolia, Benth.—Very tall and luxuriant, with flat leaves,
often 2 to 4 lines broad. Illawarra and Australian Alps; also in a
mountain range in Southern Queensland.
‘““The only Queensland habitat of this variety at present known is
on the rich land upon the top of Mount Mistake. There it grows
3 to 4 feet high, very leafy and succulent, and would probably under
cultivation be profitable for cutting as green food for stock.” (Bailey.)
The following grass may very probably be referred to var. latifolia :—
“ Poa australis. Broad-leaved meadow grass; perennial; flowers in
December; average height at time of flowering 3 feet, growing
sometimes to 6 feet ; leaves smooth, flat, and very long. ‘Thrives on
rich soil, in high, cold, and dry situations. A nice tender grass when
young, but it soon grows into larger tussocks than any other grass we
have. The herbage is of little value when suffered to grow old. If
grazed or cut down close every year it would afford a good supply of
valuable winter food.” (Bacchus.)
2. Var. levis, Benth.—Leaves, when most characteristic, rigid,
erect, terete, smooth and shining, and the panicle contracted ; but in
many specimens the leaves more slender and sometimes filiform as in
the var. australis, but always quite smooth, the stem then taller, and
the panicle more diffuse ; glumes usually about 1} lines long. From
all the Colonies except Queensland, and perhaps that Colony also.
“ Poa australis ; var. levis.—An extremely variable grass, which has
received different names by authors. It is not surprising, therefore,
under such circumstances, that various estimates have been made of
its value as food for stock, according to which variety prevailed in any
district, some of the varieties being much more valuable than others.
There is no doubt but that the true value of the larger tussock grasses,
among which the present occupies a prominent place, has been much
under-estimated, as they have never been treated fairly on their merits,
and conclusions based on the readiness with which stock eat or refuse
them cannot be accepted as a criterion of their value, unless they are
cut down when in flower and treated as fodder. Itis well known that
even the most favourite grasses of cultivation, such as Loliwm perenne,
the common rye grass, if left uncut till the seed is shed will be refused
by all kinds of stock; and so it is with the present species, which
should always be treated as a fodder plant.” (Buchanan.)
3. Var. affinis, Benth—Leaves very narrow, but often flat, as m
the var. plebeia, but the panicle more diffuse, with more numerous
smaller spikelets ; the glumes usually under 1} lines long.
One of the commonest forms in the eastern Colonies, but passing
much into the smooth P. australis and into P. levis.
This grass is perhaps referred to by Bacchus in his notes on Poa
australis.
4, Var. australis, Benth.—Leaves mostly radical, setaceous, much
shorter than the stem, erect, and exceedingly scabrous. Stems under
1 foot high, with a very loose spreading, rather small panicle. Glumes
1 to 13 lines long.
In Tasmania very abundant as above described. In Victoria and
New South Wales the radical leaves are generally longer, and the
181
stem taller. In the northern districts it is a common form, with very
long scabrous, filiform leaves, and in New South Wales, Victoria, and
South Australia it passes frequently into var. affinis.
Following are Bacchus’ notes on two forms which may belong to
this variety :—“ Poa australis—(Wiry-grass)—Perennial ; in flower
during Novemberand December. A rather low-growing species, from
9 inches to 2 feet high ; common on the plains and elsewhere. Except
when quite young, disliked by all kinds of stock. This grass seems
to have no fattening qualities, but plenty of nutriment for stock to
subsist on when forced by hunger to eat it. In this way it forms
frequently their principal food during periods of drought.” (Bacchus.)
“ Poa australis tenav—Narrow-leaved Poa. Perennial. Found on
the sides of watercourses and swamps. About 3 feet high; flowering
in December. Of little value for grazing ; but it may become of use
as a fibre plant, and is probably the variety referred to by Baron von
Mueller as the rough, tufty kind of meadow grass growing along river
banks, used by the natives for making fishing lines and nets. About
a year ago I noticed what I believed to be a distinct variety of this
grass, remarkable for the toughness of its leaves.”” (Bacchus.)
5. Var. tenera, Benth.—A slender, weak variety, with very narrow
or filiform but flaccid leaves, and a loose spreading, rather small
panicle, with small spikelets, the glumes scarcely | line long.
_ Woods and shady places in New South Wales, Victoria, and
Tasmania.
The following forms are, with diffidence, referred to var. tenera.
The names of some of Bacchus’ so-called varieties do not always have
a holding in science :—
“ Poa australis decumbens.—Perennial ; flowering late in December.
A small, delicate grass, with weak, slender stems, and thread-like
leaves. I first noticed it here growing in some tussocks of dead
rushes. It grows best in light moist soil, forming a kind of turf or
cushion. Sheep graze upon it; but I cannot speak with any certainty
of its merits as a pasture grass.”’ (Bacchus.)
“ Poa australis humilis—Perennial ; grows 1 or 2 feet high ; leaves
narrow and succulent; flowering in December. It thrives on hght,
dry soil, and appears to be a favourite with stock, and may possess
superior merits for pasture.” (Bacchus.)
Value as a fodder.—A tussocky, rather wiry grass. It is often eaten
by stock ; but when it becomes old it is very fibrous, and contains but
little nutriment. That stock are not partial to it may be noted from
the frequently luxurious appearance of the tufts in places where
stock have been running. A fuller account of the fodder value of this
grass has already been given when dealing with its varieties.
Other uses.—The different varieties of this grass afford excellent
paper material. It was formerly used by the Yarra (Victoria) blacks
for making their net bags (Ballang-cowat). For a figure of such a
basket, see Brough Smyth’s Aboriginals of Victoria, i, 345.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies, also in New Zealand.
Widely diffused throughout New South Wales.
182
5. Poa nodosa, Nees.
Botanical name.—Nodosa—Latin, full of knots or bumps, referring
to the nodules at the base of the stem.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 653).—
Stems usually about 2 feet high, forming at the base one, two, or three superposed
globular or ovoid nodules, 3 or 4 lines diameter.
Leaves long, narrow, flat, usually scabrous.
Panicie loose, narrow or spreading.
Spikelets 3 to 4 lines long, five- to eight-fiowered, rather narrow at first with closely
appressed glumes, at length broad and flat, the glumes spreading out.
Flowering glumes about 2 lines long, five-nerved, without the woolly hairs at the base
of most Pox, but shortly ciliate-pubescent on the keel and margins below the
middle.
Palea nearly as long, the keels minutely ciliate-pubescent or glabrous.
Grain tree.
Value as a fodder.— Perennial ; grows in almost pure sand, and
produces tuberous enlargements at the roots. It is tender and
nutritious, but neither tall nor bulky.” (Bailey.)
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania. In
New South Wales, found in the extreme southern districts.
8. Poa lepida, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Lepida—Latin, pretty or pleasant, the grass being
a desirable one.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 654).—An erect annual, varying
from 2 or 3 inches to nearly 1 foot high, more slender and less spread-
ing than P. annua.
Leaves flat, flaccid, the ligula rather long, jagged.
Panicle very narrow, almost spike-like, 1 to 2 inches long.
Spikelets not numerous, nearly sessile, clustered on the very short branches, very
flat, about 3 lines long, five- to seven- or more- flowered, the rhachis more or less
silky-hairy.
Flowering glumes narrow, obtuse, nearly 14 lines long, seven- to eleven-nerved, the keel
prominent, ciliate with long hairs below the middle, outer glumes three-nerved.
Grain apparently broader than in most Poz and broadly furrowed, but not seen ripe.
Value as a fodder.—Not known, but probably a useful grass.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Queensland. Found in the extreme southern part of New South Wales.
93. SCHEDONORUS.
Spikelets several-flowered, flattened in a narrow and spikelike or
loose and spreading panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet glabrous or
slightly hairy, articulate under the flowering glumes.
Outer empty glumes narrow, acute, keeled or three-nerved.
Flowering glumes usually five-nerved, rounded on the back at the
base, obtuse or shortly notched at the apex, the keel prominent, at
least in the upper part, and usually produced into a minute point in
or just below the notch.
i \
\ \ \
Schedonorus Hookerianus, F. v. M.
‘““Hooker’s Fescue Grass.’’
133
Palea nearly as long, usually rather broad, prominently two-nerved.
Styles distinct, slightly eccentrical.
Grain very obtuse, usually broadly-furrowed, free from the palea.
Panicle narrow, dense and spike-like, or interrupted. Leaves
long, erect, and rigid ae ae en yf bis .. 2. 8. littoralis.
Panicle loose and spreading ... ate are se ay .. & S. Hookerianus.
2. Schedonorus littoralis, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Schedonorus—tfrom two Greek words, schedon close
to, and oros a mountain, in allusion to the mountainous localities fre-
quented by grasses of this genus; littoralis (litoralis) —Latin, belonging
to the sea-shore, this being a coast erass.
Synonym.— Festuca littoralis, Labill.
Where figured.—Buchanan ; Labillardiére, as Festuca littoralis, and
by Trius as Arundo trioedoides.
Botanical description (B. FI., vu, 655).—
Stems 1 to 8 feet high, forming dense hard tufts of a pale yellow colour.
Leaves nearly cylindrical, erect, rigid, pungent-pointed, glabrous, often as long as
the stems.
Panicle narrow, dense and spike-like, 2 to 4 inches long.
Sptkelets few, flat, erect, 7 to 9 lines long, six- to eight-flowered.
Glumes about 4 lines long, rigid, straw-coloured, the flowering ones with two nerves
on each side of the keel, acute or dilated and notched at the tip, the keel usually
slightly protruding, the two outer empty ones narrower, three-nerved, acute.
Rhachis of the spikelet shortly hairy.
Value as a fodder.—Nil.
Other uses—An important grass for binding drift-sands on sea-
shores. It has been recommended as a paper-making material.
Habitat and range.—Found on the coast of all the Colonies, including
New Zealand.
8. Schedonorus Hookerianus, Benth.
Botanical Name.—-Hookerianus, in honor of Dr. (now Sir) J. D.
Hooker, for many years Director of the Botanic Gardens at Kew.
Synonym.—Festuca Hookeriana, F.v.M., the name adopted by Baron
von Mueller in his Census. It has also been placed under Poa.
Vernacular names.—I know of none incommon use. This is readily
accounted for, as this valuable grass is known to comparatively few
persons, because of its usual occurrence in localities so little trodden
by human beings. The name suggested is perhaps as good as any.
Bacchus calls it “‘ Georgie’s Fescue.”
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette ; Hooker, Fl. Tasmania.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 656).—A stout perennial of 2 to 4
feet, glabrous or shghtly scabrous-pubescent.
Leaves flat, rather long.
Panicle very loose, 6 inches to 1 foot long, with rather short and erect or long and
spreading branches.
Spikelets numerous, 4 to 5 lines long, four- to six-flowered.
Flowering glumes rigidly membranous, about 3 lines long, keeled only in the upper
part, the tip hyaline, entire or notched, the keel produced into a short point.
Outer glumes shorter, unequal, prominently keeled, the second often three-nerved.
Reference to Plate :—a, spikelet ; B, outer empty glumes; c, back and front views of
grain (seed) ; p, fragment of inner side of leaf, showing the ribbed and scabrous appearance
(much magnified. )
184
Value as a fodder.—This is a bulky grass, and is highly spoken of
by holders of the ‘‘ snow leases,” and others competent to speak in
regard to it. It can stand the severest cold we ever experience in
New South Wales, and it might be desirable to mtroduce it into the
coldest parts of New England. It might also be desirable to introduce
it into cold districts outside Australia. It not only yields a large amount
of fodder, but it is very nutritious, and it also has a handsome appear-
ance when in bloom. Stock are fond of it.
Some specimens in my possession from the Bredbo River are badly
ergotted ; all my other specimens are free from this undesirable fungus.
It should be looked for now that attention has been drawn to the matter.
Habitat and range.—Most collectors who have visited Mount Kosci-
usko bring specimens of it, and it is fairly abundant in the Australian
Alps. It extends into both New South Wales and Victoria, never
descending to low elevations. Its most northerly locality would appear
to be the Mittagong Ranges. It also occurs in a few localities in
Tasmania.
Reference to Plate:—a, spikelet; B, outer empty glumes ; c, back and front views of
grain (seed) ; D, fragment of inner side of leaf, showing the ribbed and scabrous appear-
ance (much magnified).
94. GLYCERIA.
Spikelets several-flowered, pedicellate in a narrow or spreading
panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet articulate under the flowering
glumes, glabrous or rarely hairy.
Outer empty glumes obtuse or acute, unawned.
Flowering glumes convex on the back, three- to nine-nerved, the
nerves not reaching tothe hyaline, obtuse, sometimes slightly denticulate
apex.
oe nearly as long as the glume.
Ovary glabrous.
Styles distinct, very short, the plumose stigmas frequently more
branched than in other genera.
Grain glabrous, enclosed in the glume and palea, but free from them.
Flowering glumes with a tuft of hairs round the base or on the
back below the middle. Panicle loose ... Ag Se . Ll. G. Fordeana,
Rhachis and base of the flowering glumes glabrous or minutely
pubescent.
Stems rarely 3feet high. Panicle narrow. Panicle long and loose.
Spikelets 4 to 1 inch. Flowering glumes distant, narrow,
3 lines long; outer glumes much shorter... dea ine .. 2. G. fluitans.
Panicle dense. Spikelets few, broad, 4 to ? inch. Flowering
glumes paleaceous, 3 to 4 lines long; outer glumes as long ... 3. G. latispicea,
Stems very rigid, tall, with few short leaves and often clusters of
short branches. Flowering glumes hyaline, three-nerved at
the base. Panicle very spreading. Spikelets six- to twelve-
flowered os aia ij oe P Te .. 6. G. ramigera.
1. Glyceria Fordeana, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Glyceria—Greek, gluceros, sweet, in allusion to the
herbage of these grasses; Fordeana, in honor of Mrs. Helena Forde,
who first sent this grass to Baron von Muller.
185
Synonym.—Poa Fordeana, F.v.M.
Where figured.—Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 657)—An erect glabrous grass
attaining 2 or 3 feet.
Leaves flat, very scabrous.
Panicle very loose, compound, 4 to 8 inches long, with very spreading capillary
branches, mostly in pairs or threes,
Spikelets lanceolate, mostly 4 to 5 lines long, eight- to twelve-flowered.
Outer glumes acute, three-nerved,
Flowering glumes five- or seven-nerved, 1} lines long, surrounded by a tuft of hairs
and shortly hairy or pubescent in the lower part, the midrib prominent but not
reaching the obtuse hyaJine apex, the lateral nerves shorter.
Palea-keels scarcely ciliate.
Value as a fodder.—A useful fodder grass, succulent and palatable
to stock.
Habitat and range-—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Western Australia, in moist situations in the interior.
2. Glyceria fluitans, R. Br.
Botanical name.—Fluitans—Latin, floating, in allusion to the habitat
of the plant, often floating in water.
Synonym.—Poa fluitans, Scop.
Vernacular names.—“ Manna Grass,” ‘ Floating Manna Grass,”
“Water Grass’ (Tasmania).
Where jfigured.—Hackel ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 657).—
Stems creeping in mud or floating at the base, ascending to 2 or 3 feet.
Leaves narrow, flat, glabrous, the ligula jagged.
Panicle loose, long and narrow.
Spikelets solitary in the distant notches, or two or three on a short branch from the
same notch, erect, narrow, 4 to 1 inch long, six- to twenty-flowered, the rhachis
glabrous as well as the glumes.
Outer glumes broad, obtuse, hyaline, faintly nerved at the base, the lowest about
14 lines, the second longer.
Flowering glumes more rigid, about 3 lines long, with about seven nerves not reaching
to the hyaline, obtuse, entire, or slightly denticulate apex.
Lodicules usually connate,
Value as a fodder.—One of the best fodder grasses for very damp
localities.
“ Grows from 2 to 4 feet high. It flourishes in rich soil and swampy
ground, often extending far into the water, floating in luxuriant
growth on the surface. Cattle and horses are fond of it, even when
partially dry.” (Bacchus.)
The statement was made in the New Zealand Farmer that this grass
grows on land even if covered with a foot of water, and that stock
neglect other pasture for it. It is much relished by cattle, horses,
and pigs.
“There is a great difference of opinion amongst agricultural writers
with respect to the fondness of animals for the leaves and culms of
this grass. We have often seen the ends of the leaves cropped by
186
cattle but have never seen the culms or root-leaves touched by them.
On the other hand, reliable writers have asserted that cattle, horses,
and swine are alike fond of it.” (Gould, quoted by Vasey.)
Other uses.—The seeds are sweet and palatable, and in many
countries used for porridge.
“This grass yields a very nutritious and highly palatable grain,
which is collected by Russian peasants. The peasant takes an old
felt hat, and, wading in the water, skims the hat amongst the patches
of Glyceria when the grain is ripe, and the seeds fall into the hat.
Their collection is an important branch of industry.” (Pharm. Journ.,
xv, 948.)
“‘ Tt is cultivated in many parts of Germany for the sake of its seeds,
which are esteemed a delicacy in soup and gruel. When ground into
meal they make bread very little inferior to that from wheat.”
(Schreber.)
Fish and all graminivorous birds are exceedingly fond of these seeds.
“Trout, and, indeed, most fish, are very fond of them. Wherever it
grows over the banks of streams the trout are always found in great
numbers waiting to catch every seed that falls.” (Gould, quoted by
Vasey.)
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Queensland.
Coast district, and tableland from New England south. Always found
in ornear water. A cosmopolitan species.
“Grows in shallow water on the margins of lakes, ponds, and
sluggish streams.” (Vasey.)
“This grass is found growing in shallow water, overflowed meadows,
and wet woods, but will bear cultivation on moderately dry grounds.”
(Gould, quoted by Vasey.)
3. Glyceria latispicea, F.v.M.
Botanical name.—Latispicea—Latin, latus, broad; spicea, belong to
ears of corn, the spikelets being broad.
Synonym.—Poa latispicea, P.v.M.
Botanical description (B. FL, vu, 658.)—
Stems erect, attaining 2 or 3 feet.
Leaves fiat, glabrous, the ligula long and jagged.
Panicle narrow, the branches very short, erect, each bearing one to three spikelets,
the lower ones distant.
Spikelets rather broad and loose, 4 inch long or rather more, pale-coloured, six- to
twelve-flowered, the rhachis as wellas the glumes glabrous or very minutely
hairy.
Outer glumes obtuse, five-nerved ; flowering ones 3 to 4 lines long, seven- or nine-
nerved, rounded on the back as in the rest of the genus, but the midrib reaching
the obtuse hyaline apex, the lateral nerves faint and shorter.
Grain oblong, flattened but concave on the inner face.
Value as a fodder.—Not definitely known, but probably a valuable
orass.
Habitat and range.—Found in New South Wales and Queensland.
In New South Wales, from New England to the interior, in moist
situations.
187
6. Glyceria ramigera, F.v.M.
Botanical names.—Ramigera—Latin, ramus, a branch; gero, I bear,
referring to the branching habit of the grass.
Synonym.—Poa ramigera, F.v.M.
Vernacular names.—* Cane Grass,” “ Bamboo Grass.”
Where figured.—Agr cultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. ¥1., vu, 659).—A_ tall glabrous rigid, almost
bamboo-like grass, branched at the base, and often bearing clusters
of branches higher up.
Leaves convolute and flat, few and short on the flowering stems.
Panicle 4 to 8 inches long, loosely ovate or at length spreading.
Spikelets rather numerous, usually 3 to 5 lines long with six to twelve flowers, but
sometimes longer, the rhachis glabrous.
Outer glumes narrow, hyaline, acute, faintly one-nerved.
Flowering glumes distant, about 14 lines long, broad and concave, hyaline, three-
naENee, the nerves all short, the central one not reaching much above the
middle.
Grain not seen ripe, but apparently that of Glyceria.
Value as a fodder.—Stock only eat the young shoots of this grass.
Other uses—A_ tall cane-like species, growing plentifully in large
detached tussocks in “‘ clay pans,” or as they are locally termed “cane
swamps.” It is largely used for thatching purposes, for which it is
admirably adapted. Roofs twenty years old, made of this grass, are
standing, and are waterproof still.
Habitat and range-—F ound in all the Colonies except Tasmania. An
interior species, found in clay soil lable to inundation.
96. BROMUS.
Spikelets several-flowered, oblong or lanceolate, pedicellate, erect or
drooping in a more or less branched panicle, the rhachis of the spikelet
articulate between the flowering glumes, glabrous or scabrous-
pubescent.
Outer empty glumes acute or fine-pointed, unawned.
Flowering glumes convex on the back, five- or seven-nerved, the
hyaline apex usually shortly bifid, the midrib produced into a straight
or curved awn free from a little below tne apex.
Palea nearly as long as the glume, the two prominent nerves usually
scabrous-ciliate.
Ovary obovate, crowned by a hairy membranous appendage, the
very short distinct styles more or less lateral.
Grain flattened, adhering to the palea, and often more or less to the
base of the glume.
2. Bromus arenarius, Labill.
Botanical name.—Bromus, from the Greek word for a wild oat,
arenarius, Latin for sandy, in allusion to the situations in which some
of these grasses grow.
188
Vernacular names.—“ Oat Grass,” ‘‘ Wild Oats,” “ Sea-side Brome
Grass.” It has even been called “ Barley Grass’’—not at all an
appropriate name.
Where figured.—Buchanan ; Labillardiére ; Agricultural Gazette.
Botanical description (B. F1., vii, 661).—Apparently annual, from 1
to about 14 feet high.
Leaves flat, flaccid, softly hairy or pubescent.
Panicle at first erect, at length drooping, the capillary branches clustered, the
longer ones 2 to 3 inches long, with one to four spikelets on capillary pedicels.
Spikelets lanceolate, 4 to 2 inch long without the awns, flat, five- to nine- flowered.
Glumes all pubescent or glabrous, the lowest about 3 lines long and five-nerved, the
second longer and seven-nerved, both empty and acute.
Flowering glumes rather longer, about seven-nerved, convex on the back, the awn free
from a little below the scarious tip, 4 to # inch long.
Var. macrostachya, Benth. Spikelets 1 inch long, each with fifteen
to twenty flowers. Yass, Darling River, &Xc.
Value as a fodder.—An ornamental grass, which, while not of the
first-class, is a useful fodder plant. It cannot stand drought, withering
off as the hot weather approaches. Buchanan speaks of it as a common
sea-side weed, which, from its dry woolly nature, is very unpalatable to
all kinds of stock. Others, e.g., Woolls, speak of it as “a fine grass
for cattle.’ Mr. A. R. Crawford writes to me concerning it :—‘“‘I
received a few seeds of this grass from the Castlereagh, and cultivated
it on the eastern slopes for many years. It is much liked by stock,
is fattening, makes a good hay, and is quite an ornamental grass.”
Fungus found on this grass.—Ustilago bromivora, Waldh., on this
species, and also B. mollis. Septoria bromi, Sacc., has also been
recorded from the leaves of Bromus sp.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the colonies except Tasmania ;
also occurring in New Zealand. Found in most districts of New South
Wales.
98. FESTUCA.
Spikelets several-flowered, pedicellate, in loose and spreading or
compact and erect more or less one-sided panicles, the rhachis of the
spikelet articulate under the flowering glumes, glabrous or nearly so.
Outer empty glumes narrow, acute, keeled, usually unequal.
Flowering glumes narrow, acute, or tapering into an untwisted awn
or rarely obtuse, rounded on the back, faintly nerved.
Palea narrow, with prominent nerves or keels.
Ovary glabrous.
Styles very short, distinct.
Graim enclosed in the glume and palea and more or less adnate.
2. Festuca duriuscula, Linn.
Botanical name.—Festuca—Latin, the shoot or stalk of a tree or
herb (the appellation not being specially appropriate) ; dwriuscula—
Latin, somewhat rough or harsh, the texture of the grass beg thus
described.
189
Vernacular name.—“ Hard Fescue.”
Where figured.—Buchanan.
Botanical description (B. Fl., vii, 663).—An erect perennial of 1 to
2 feet.
Leaves chiefly at the base, very narrow, almost setaceous.
Panicle loose but narrow, 2 to 4 inches long, with few erect branches.
Spikelets not numerous, erect, usually about 4 inch long, four- to six-flowered.
#lumes rather rigid, the outer ones pointed, the lowest very narrow, keeled, scarcely
2 lines long, the second rather longer, three-nerved.
Flowering glumes 3 lines long or rather more, faintly nerved, glabrous or pubescent,
with a fine point or awn, usually about 1 line long.
Palea with a fine bifid point.
Stamens three.
Value as a fodder.—A useful pasture grass for the colder regions of
the Colony. It grows well in hilly places, and is one of the best of the
smaller fescues. It forms a close turf. All kinds of stock eat it
readily, although it is somewhat harsh. Seed may be procured of
most seedsmen.
Habitat and range.—F¥ound in all the Colonies except Western Aus-
tralia and Queensland. In New South Wales, apparently confined to
the mountainous districts of the south-east. ‘ One of the most widely
dispersed forms of the sheep’s fescue or F. ovina, Linn. Very
abundant on downs and hilly pastures of the temperate regions of the
New and Old World.” (Bentham.)
Sub-tribe v.—Hordeacex.
99. Agropyrum. | 101. Lepturus.
99. AGROPYRUM.
Spikelets several-flowered, more or less flattened, distichous, and
alternately sessile on the continuous or slightly notched rhachis of a
simple spike, one face of the spikelet next the general rhachis, the
rhachis of the spikelet more or less articulate under the flowering
glumes.
Glumes rounded on the back or scarcely keeled, tapering into points
or awns, the flowering ones three- to seven-nerved, the two outer empty
ones usually shorter, narrower, three- or rarely one-neryed.
Palea nearly as long as the glume, the two prominent nerves almost
marginal, scabrous-ciliate.
Ovary pubescent at the top.
Styles short, distinct.
Grain free or slightly adhering to the palea.
Spikelets narrow with long awns, erect and distant along the rhachis... 1. A. scabrum,
Spikelets broad, with short points or awns, erect and close together
along the rhachis... ve he we 2. A. velutinum,
Spikelets very flat, with short points or awns, spreading or at length
reflexed and not distant along the rhachis ie oa wd. A, pectinatum,
190
1. Agropyrum scabrum, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Agropyrum (more properly Agropyron)—Greek,
agros, a field; puros, wheat, owing to the resemblance of these grasess
to wheat ; scabrum—Latin for rough, in allusion to the foliage.
Synonym.—Triticum scabrum, R. Br.
Vernacular names.—Mr. Bailey remarks that in New Zealand it often
has a bluish tinge, and hence has received from the settlers the names
of “Blue Tussac-grass” and ‘Blue Oat-grass,” and adds that
neither of which is suitable to the grass as seen in Australia. It would,
however, appear to have a bluer appearance when growing in New
South Wales than in Queensland. I have never seen a bluer and
more glaucous looking grass than this species often presents in New
England.
The name “ Wheat-grass” is sometimes given to it in this Colony.
It is closely related to the wheats, although it does not closely resemble,
in appearance, those useful grasses.
Where jigured—Buchanan (as Triticum scabrum); Bacchus (as
Festuca Billardieri); Labillardiére as Festuca scabra; Agricultural
Gazette.
Botanical Description (B. F1., vii., 665).—Very variable as to stature,
sometimes under 1 foot high, slender with short filiform leaves, and
from that to 3 or 4 feet with narrow spreading flat or convolute leaves.
Spike usually 6 inches to 1 foot long, the rhachis scarcely notched.
Spikelets distant, sessile, erect, 2 to 1 inch long without the awns, narrow, six- to
twenty-flowered ; in the small specimens, sometimes only one or two spikelets.
Glumes narrow, rigid, straw-coloured, mostly about five-nerved, not distinctly keeled,
the two outer empty ones rather shorter, tapering into short points, the flowering
ones 4 to 6 lines long without the awns, tapering into fine straight or at length
spreading awns mostly longer than the glumes and sometimes above 1 inch long;
those of the upper and of the lower glumes often not so long as the intermediate
ones.
Palea obtuse.
Botanical notes.—A large tufted, often straggling, grass, often of a
bluish-green colour, rather harsh, commonly 1 or 2 feet long ; but on
the Lachlan River, found by the late K. H. Bennett, up to 6 feet long,
according to Baron von Mueller.
Buchanan figures a weak, elongated form, often 3 or 4 feet long,
and trailing on the ground, under the name of variety tenue.
Value as a fodder—* A rather harsh grass when in seed, but
during winter and early spring it supplies a large quantity of feed.
On poor land its height would be about a foot, but on good land it
attains 3 or 4 feet. Cut when in flower it makes good hay; the seeds
are not injurious.” (Bailey.)
When young there is no question not only as to its palatableness,
but also as to its nutritious character.
The early settlers of New Zealand looked upon it as a good horse
and cattle grass, and Buchanan calls it an excellent fodder, if cut in
flower.
Agropyrum pectinatum.
‘““The Comb-like Wheat Fern.’’
191
Some other notes in regard to Agropyrum as a grass and fodder
grasses will be found under A. pectinatwm.
Habitat and range—Ffound im all the Australian Colonies, also in
Lord Howe Island and New Zealand. In the Australian Colonies it
extends from the coast and coast ranges to the dry interior—in fact, it
is one of the species with the widest range. I have collected it up to
5,500 feet on Mt. Kosciusko.
2. Agropyrum velutinum, Nees.
Botanical name.—Velutinum—Latin, velvety, in reference to the
pubescent leaves.
Synonym.—Triticum velutinum, Hook.
Botanical description (B. Fl, vu, 665).—
Stems 6 inches to above 1 foot high.
Leaves chiefly at the base of the stem, flat or convolute when dry, not rigid, softly
pubescent or nearly glabrous.
Spike raised on a long peduncle, 1 to 2 inches long, the rhachis pubescent and notched.
Spikelets almost erect, imbricate, or the lower ones distant, ovate or oblong, about
4 inch long, usually six- to eight-flowered.
Glumes 3 to 5 lines long, rigid, with short almost pungent points, the outer empty
ones usually three-nerved, the flowering ones broader and five- or rarely seven-
nerved.
Value as a fodder—Not important. It is less harsh than the other
species, but it does not appear to be very abundant.
Habitat and range.—F ound in Tasmania ; also on the Victorian and
New South Wales Alps, and other districts in the south-eastern parts
of this Colony.
35. Agropyrum pectinatum, Beauv.
Botanical name.—Pectinatwm—Latin, like a comb, in allusion to the
appearance of the inflorescence.
Synonym.— Triticum pectinatum, R. Br.
Vernacular name.—I do not know any vernacular name actually in
use for this grass. The rather clumsy name of the Comb-hke Wheat-
grass suggested for it may serve provisionally.
Where jigured.—Labillardiére, as Festuca pectinata; Agricultural
Gazette. .
Botanical description (B. FI., vu, 666).—
Stems from under 1 to 1} feet high.
Leaves chiefly at the base of the stem, narrow, flat, usually hairy.
Spike raised ona long peduncle, 1 to 3 inches long, the rhachis pubescent, not notched.
Spikelets not very distant, spreading, or at length reflexed, mostly about 4 inch long,
including the short points, three- to six-flowered.
Glumes spreading, the two outer empty ones shorter, with only the midrib or three-
nerved.
Flowering glumes 4 to 5 lines long, rigid, three- or five-nerved, tapering into a rather
long pungent point,
192
Value as a Fodder—We know very little about its value in this
respect, and I would ask residents of the districts in which it grows
to give it more attention. It produces a fairly leafy bottom, and is
probably eaten by stock with the other grasses when young, but while
still perfectly green and only in inflorescence. I have seen acres
of pasture in which it preponderates with scarcely a spike bitten
off. Nevertheless, arguing from analogy, it is probably a nutritious
grass.
We have three species of Agropyrum, and they are peculiar to
Australia, with the exception that A. scabrum extends to New Zealand.
We know so little about the genus from Australian experience, that
perhaps a few notes of the experience of other countries in regard to
other species of Agropyrum may be of some use. I quote from Vasey’s
“ Agricultural Grasses and Forage Plants of the United States”
(1889).
A. tenerum occurs mostly in low, moist ground, grows in clumps,
and is one of the best grasses for hay.
A. repens* (Couch-grass of the United States; Quack-grass). “The
farmers of the United States unite in one continuous howl of execra-
tion against this grass, and it seems strange, when every man’s hand
is against it, that it is not extermmated. Yet we could never really
satisfy ourselves that its presence in meadows and pastures was such
an unmitigated curse. In lands where alternate husbandry is practised
it must be admitted to be an evil of great magnitude. Its hardiness
is such, and its rapidity of growth so great, that it sprigs up much
more rapidly than any crop that can be planted, and chokes it; still,
this grass has many virtues. It is perfectly cosmopolitan in its habits.
It is found in all sorts of soil and climates. Its creeping roots are
succulent and very nutritive, and are greedily devoured by horses
and cows.”
Of A. glaucum (Blue stem or Blue joint), considered by some to be
a variety of the preceding, Professor Scribner writes: ‘“‘ It is the most
highly praised of the native grasses for hay. Wherever it occupies
exclusively any large area of ground, as it does frequently in the
lower districts, especially near Fort Benton, it is cut for hay. Naturally
it does not yield a great bulk, but its quality is unsurpassed. After
two or three cuttings the yield of hay diminishes so much that it is
scarcely worth the harvesting. It is then customary to drag a short-
toothed harrow over the sod, which breaks up the creeping roots or
underground stems, and each fragment then makes a new plant.”
Speaking of the genus in general in the United States, Mr. T. A.
Williams says: “‘ These grasses mature early, and are the chief forage
plants in the Western (U.S.A.) cattle districts, on which thrive the
choice beeves which command fancy prices in the eastern markets.
They have few equals among the grasses of the western prairies in the
quantity or quality of forage produced, and should be cultivated and
improved as much as possible.’”
* Or rather A. pseudo-repens, Scribner and Smith, p. 34, Bulletin No. 4, ‘Studies in
American Grasses ” (1897).
ow
193
Habitat and range.—It is confined to New South Wales, Victoria,
and Tasmania. In New South Wales it is common in many parts of
the Monaro, chiefly on black soil flats, often in swampy land. It
ascends to high altitudes (I have it from 5,000 to 6,000 feet on Mount
Kosciusko). In Victoria it is confined to Northern Gippsland, in
situations similar to those it frequents over the border of the northern
colony. In Tasmania it is found in the Hampshire Hills, Thomas
Plains, and Recherche Bay.
Reference to Plate :—a, spikelet ; B, empty glume; c, back and front views of seed ;
all enlarged.
101. LEPTURUS.
Spikelets one-flowered, or in a species not Australian two-flowered,
sessile, and half embedded in the alternate notches of a more or less
articulate simple spike.
Outer empty glumes two, one slightly overlapping the other on one
side, or one only, appressed and covering the cavity, rigid and nerved.
Flowering glume and palea shorter, thin, and hyaline, embedded in
the cavity, the axis of the spikelet produced behind the palea into
a minute point, or bearing a small terminal empty glume.
Styles short.
Grain free from the glume.
Annuals.—Outer glumes with about five prominent nerves. Axis of
the spikelet produced into a minute point or bristle.
Outer glumes of the lateral spikelets two ... as Bb . lL. DL. meurvatus.
Outer glume of the lateral spikelets only one ae BoC ... 2. D. cylindricus.
1, Lepturus incurvatus, Trin.
Botanical name.—Lepturus—Greek, leptos, slender ; owra, a tail, in
allusion to the pointed rhachis; incurvatus—Latin, crooked or bowed,
in allusion to the spikes.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 668)—A tufted or branching
(2) . =) . .
annual of 3 inches to 1 foot, or rarely more, slender in the Australian
specimens with very narrow leaves.
Spikes nearly cylindrical, slender, 2 to 6 inches long, straight or curved.
Outer glumes two, rigid, acute, usually five-nerved, about 3 lines long, placed in the
lateral spikelets apparently side by side outside the rest of the spikelet, but
one slightly overlapping the other at the base.
Flowering glume and flower embedded in the cavity of the rhachis of the spike, the
rhachis of the spikelet slightly produced behind the palea into a minute point
sometimes almost obsolete. In the terminal spikelet the two outer glumes are
normally exposed to each other.
Value as a fodder—Not known, but probably small.
Habitat and range.—Found in South Australia, Victoria, and New
South Wales. In the last Colony, in salt-marshes in the coast districts
south from Parramatta to Victoria. Found also in the Mediterranean
region ; also in India and New Zealand.
N
194:
2. Lepturus cylindricus, Trin.
Botanical name.—Cylindricus—Latin, cylindrical, in allusion to the
spike.
Botanical description (B. FI., vii, 668).—
Habit and foliage of L. incurvatus, in the Australian specimens usually shorter, more
tufted, the /eaves not quite so narrow and the spikes rather thicker and more
frequently curved ; but these differences are generally reversed in Mediterranean
specimens.
The terminal spikelet and the internal structure of the others the same in the two
species, but the L. cylindricus has always only one rigid five-nerved very
pointed outer empty glume instead of the two of L. encurvatus.
Value as a fodder.—Not known, but probably small.
Habitat and range.—Found in all the Colonies except Tasmania and
Queensland. In New South Wales, from the coast district to the
tableland, chiefly in salt-marshes, southwards from Liverpool Plains
to Victoria, and westward to the Riverina. Found alsoin the Mediter-
ranean region, South Africa, and Asia.
v
JMINSE) EX
A Nore.—The botanical names of exotic grasses and the synonyms of the New South Wales species,
’ also the names of fungi, are all in ttalics.
~
~~
PAGE.
Agaricus (Naucoria) frusticola, Berk. 5
Agaricus (Tubaria) inquilinus, Lee ete
ecbolus, Fr. : ; 5)
Agaricus ( Psallota) versipes, ‘Berk. F
Agropyrum (American species) re 192
Agropyrum pectinatum, Beauy. U7 al)!
Agropyrum scabrum, Beauv. 17, 190
Agropyrum velutinum, Nees. U7, UGA
Agrostis emula, R. Br. fp 123
Agrostis breviglumis, F.v.M. ee oly
Agrostis canina, Linn, 120
Agrostis frigida, F.v.M. 126
Agrostis gelida, F.v.M. 120
Agrostis montana, R. Br. ss soe lee
Agrostis Muelleri, Benth. ... a00 16, 120
Agrostis nivalis, F.v.M. vee |
Agrostis ovata, Labill. 141
Agrostis parviflora, R. Br. .., 120
Agrostis guadrifida, Labill.... 118
Agrosis quadriseta, R. Br. ... 125
Agrostis rudis, Roem. et Schult. int 126
Agrostis scabra, Br. ... a = 165 1205126
Agrostis Solandri, F.v.M. 123, 124
Agrostis venusta, Trin. 16, 121
Agrostis virginica, Linn. L160
Aira cespitosa, Linn. 129
Aira caryophyllea, Linn. 16, 128
Alang Alang fields 84
Aldroo ... : 76
Aleppo Grass . 87
Alkaline Grass 169
Alopecurus geniculatus, Linn, 16, 101
Amphibromus Neesii, Steud. 16, 131
Amphipogon strictus, Br. 17, 140
Andropogon affinis, Br. 16, 79
Andropogon bombycinus, Br. 16, 81
Andropogon contortus, Linn. 70
Andropogon erianthoides, F.v.M. . 16, 77
Avena filiformis, Labill. va IQA
Andropogon jilipendulinus, Hoch. 82
Andropogon Gryllus, Linn. ... 84
Andropogon halepensis, Sibth. 87
Andropogon intermedius, Br. 56 16, 80
Andropogon lachnatherus, Benth.... 16, 82
Andropogon micranthus, Kunth. 85
Andropogon montanus, Roxb. 85
Andropogon pertusus, Willd. 16, 79
Andropogon punctatus, Roxb. 80
Avena quadriseta, Labill. 125
Andropogon refractus, Br. 16, 80
Andropogon sericeus, Br. 16, 78
Anisopogon ayenaceus, Br. ... 16, 132
Anthistiria avenacea, F, Muell. 16, 93
PAGE,
Anthistiria ciliata, Linn. 16, 92
Anthistiria membranacea, Lindl. 16, 94
Anthoxanthum crinitum, Labill. 118
Apluda aristata, Linn. 95
Apluda mutica, Linn. 16, 95
Apluda varia, Hackel 95
Aristida arenaria, Gaudich. ... 16, 107
Aristida Behriana, F. Muell. 16, 108
Aristida calycina, Br. 16, 109
Aristida depressa, Retz. 16, 110
Aristida dispersa, Trin. et Rupr. ... ere WE
Aristida leptopoda, Benth. ... 16, 108
Aristida stipoides, Br. 16, 106
Aristida ramosa, Br. ,. 16, 109
Aristida vagans, Cav. : 16, 108
Arthraxon ciliare, Beauv., var. australe,
Benth. 15, 73
Arundinella nepalensis, Trin. 16, 96-
Arundo phragmites, Linn. ... 56 se lis:
Arundo semiannularis, Labill. wy 13S:
Arwndo triodoides ... van Sas
Astrebla elymoides, F.v.M. and Bail. . 144
Astrebla pectinata, F.v.M.. : Lp las
Astrebla pectinata ; var. elymoides 1
Astrebla triticoides, F, Muell. 17, 144
Australian Millet ice 88
Avena filiformis : aa 556 Jee WL
Avena quadriseta... sie Ste vane Dee
Ballanog-cowat soo | lis}
Bamboo Grass... 112, 187
Barbone ; 85
Barcoo Grass ... a 94
Barley Grass ... aoe ie 49, 55, 188
Barnyard Grass os oss Shc Se 38
Bastard Mitchell Grass 76
Beard Grass—
Creeping... ae 53
Twisted Bis 70
Beardy Grass ... 110
Bent Grass—
Slender re as oe te vogy he SO
Spiked : ae te 125
Toothed ef 123
Bermuda Grass wee 150
Blady Grass... ae : 83
Blue Grass a 77, 78, 79
Blue Oat Grass 190
Blue Star Grass es 153
Blue Tussock or Tussac Grass 190
Bottle-glass Fox-tail .. 54
Bowat ... ce ss es as | -L7D
Brome Grass, Sea-side
Bromus arenarius, Labill.
Brown-top a
Buffalo Grass ...
Bunch Spear-Grass
Burr-Grass
Hillside
Large
Serub
Small :
Buzzard Grass...
Cane Grass
Canary Grass ...
Carpet Grass ...
Cenchrus australis, R. Br.
Cerebella andropogonis, Ces.
Cerebella paspali, Cke. & Mass,
Chameeraphis paradoxa, Poir.
Chameeraphis spinescens, Poir,
Chemical Analyses of Grasses
Chilian Grass .., :
Chloris acicularis, Lindl.
Chloris Roxburghiana, Edgew.
Chloris scariosa, F. Muell.
Chloris truncata, Br....
Chloris ventricosa, Br.
Chatomium elatum, Kze. .
Chrysopogon Gryllus, Trin....
Chrysopogon nutans, Benth.
Chrysopogon parviflorus, Benth.
Chrysopogon parviflorus, var. flavescens ...
Chrysopogon parviflorus, var. spicigera
Chrysopogon serrulatus, Trin.
Chrysopogon violascens, Trin.
Coarse Mitchell Grass
Coast Couch Grass
Cockatoo Grass
Cock’s-foot Grass
Comet Grass
Common Fox-tail
eikasnortuminquinas, D: R. ‘& Mont., W.A.
Conservation of Native Grasses
Cooly :
Corkscrew Grass
Cotton Grass ..,
Couch Grass :
Couch Grass, Coast ...
Couch Grass, Ea
Cow Grass
Crab Grass
Creeping Beard Grass
Crop Grass
Crow-foot Grass
‘Crow-foot Grass, small
Cuba Grass
Cultivation of Native Grasses
Cynodon dactylon, Pers.
Dactyloctensum aegyptiacum, ee
Danthonia Anisopogon Se :
Danthonia Archeri, Hook, f.
Danthonia bipartita, F. Muell.
Danthonia carphoides, F, Muell.
170, 187
Sl
“99, 155
"38, 155
ae
196
PAGE.
188
157, 187
78
160
a LOEB,
71
19
ae aS
5s 15. 5B
2
160
17, 152
152
Danthonia longifolia, Br.
Danthonia nervosa, F.v.M. ...
Danthonia pallida, Br.
Danthonia paradoxa, Br.
Danthonia pauciflora, Br. ...
Danthonia penicillata F.y.M.
Danthonia pilosa, Br. 5
Danthonia racemosa, Br. ;
Danthonia robusta, F. Muell.
Danthonia semiannularis, Br.
Danthonia setacea
Deleterious Grasses—
Paspalum scrobiculatum, Linn.
Sorghum scr a
Stipa...
Deschampsia cxspitosa, Beauv.
Deyeuxia Billardieri, Kunth.
Deyeuxia breviglumis, Benth
Deyeuxia Forsteri, Kunth. .
Deyeuxia frigida, F. Muell....
Deyeuxia montana, Benth. ...
Deyeuxia nivalis, Benth.
Deyeuxia plebeja, Benth.
Deyeuxia quadriseta, Benth.
Deyeuxia scabra, Benth.
Dichelachne crinita, Hook, f.
Dichelachne sciurea, Hook, f.
Diplachne fusva, Beauv. _..
Diplachne loliiformis, F. Muell.
Disarrenum antarcticum, Labill.
Distichlis maritima, Rafin. ...
Ditch Millet ...
Dog’s-tooth Grass
Doub Grass
Drop-seed Grass
Dutch Grass
Karly Spring Grass :
Echinopogon ovatus, Beauv.
Ectrosia leporina, Br.
Egyptian Finger Grass
Ehrharta juncea, Spreng.
Ehrharta stipoides, Labill. ...
Eleusine egyptica, Pers.
Eleusine chinensis, V.v.M.
Hleusine cruciata, Lam,
Eleusine digitata, Spreng.
Eleusine indica, Gertn
Elytrophorus articulatus, Beauv. ...
Epichlée cinerea, Berk. & Br.
Eragrostis abyssinica, Link....
Eragrostis Brownii, Nees ...
Eragrostis chetophylla, Steud.
Eragrostis diandra, Steud.
Eragrostis eriopoda, Benth. |
Eragrostis falcata, Gaudich...
Eragrostis lacunaria, F. Muell.
Eragrostis laniflora, Benth. ...
Eragrostis leptostachya, Steud.
Eragrostis megalosperma, F. Muell.
Eragrostis nigra, Nees
Eragrostis pilosa, Beauv.
Hragrostis setifolia, Nees
Eragrostis tenella, Beauv. wie
Eriachne aristidea, F. Muell. “5.
PAGE.
16, 136
a 1S
16, 136
16, 134
1@, 139
"136, 137, 138
16, 138
16, 137
16, 136
16, 138
138
eet
... 87, 89
ee ee
16, 128
16, 124
16, 127
16, 123
16, 126
16, 125
16, 127
16, 124
16, 125
16, 126
16, 118
“.. 16, 112, 119
1)
_ Festuca Billardieri,
| Festuca distichophiylla, Hook. f.
_ Festuca duriuscula, Linn.
Eriachne mucronata, Br.
Eriachne obtusa, Br.... ae
Eriachne pallida, F. Muell....
Brianthus fulvus, Benth.
Eriochloa annulata, Kunth..
Briochloa polystachya, Humb. & Kth.
Eriochloa punctata, Hamilt. :
Esparto ; Ae
Evergreen M illet
- Everlasting Grass
:
Feather Grass, Nodding
Steud. ...
Festuca Hookeriana, F.v.M.
Festuca littoralis, Labill.
Festuca ovine, Linn. ...
Festuca scabra, Labill.
Finger Grass ... ;
Finger Grass, Eg yptian
Finger Grass, Hairy ..
Figures of Grasses
Floating Manna Grass
Floating Fox-tail Grass
Ely-away Grass
Fool Hay :
Fox-tail, Bottle Grass
Fox-tail Grass—
Small
Floating
Knee-jointed
Water
Yellow
Fungi on Grasses
Ghohona Grass
Gigantic Couch
Glyceria fluitans, R. ne
Glyceria Fordeana, F. Muell.
Glyceria latispicea, F. Muell.
Glyceria ramigera, F. Muell.
Goose Grass ..
Gracemere Star Grass
Grasses for Special Purposes
, Grasses reputed Medicinal ...
Paspalum distichum, Linn.
Grass-nurseries ; ;
one Grass, Red
‘Hair Grass
Hair Grass, Tufted
Hairy Finger Grass ...
Hard Fescue is
Hare’s-tail Grass
Hemarthria compressa, R. Br.
Heteropogon contortus, R. et S.
Mierochloé borealis
Hierochlée rariflora, Hook, &
Hierochlie redolens, ie Br.
Hillside Burr Grass ...
Holcus odoratus
Hungarian Millet
Hureek..
Hypocr eat (Zh ypocrella) acillari is, Cooke ...
“17, 188
PAGE.
Imperata arundinacea, Cyr. 16, 83
Isachne australis, Br. 17, 164
Isariagraminiper ‘das var. fuciformis, Berk. 5
Ischemum australe, "Br. j i, 55, 72
Ischemum ciliare, Retz ; : var, podo-
stachyum, Benth ... : 15, 73
TIschemum laxum, Br. 15, 74
Ischeemum pectinatum, Trin. 9, 15, 73
Ischemum triticeum, Br. 15, 72
Japanese Lawn Grass 63
Jil-crow-a-berry 160
Johnson Grass 87
Joint Grass 20
Kangaroo Grass 81, 93
Rehr 7... 2 41
Knee-jointed Fox-tail Grass 101
Knot Grass 20
Koda Millet 18, 20
Kuri 36
Landsborough Grass ... 94.
Lappago racemosa, Willd 15, 64
Large Burr Grass 57
Lawn Grass, Japanese 63
Leersia hexandra, Swartz. 16;, 97
Leocarpus fragilis, Dicks. 5
Leptochloa chinensis, Nees.... Wig LOT,
Leptochloa subdigitata, Trin. 173, 197
Lepturus cylindricus, Trin. 17, 194
Lepturus incurvatus, Trin. ... 17, 193
Lesser Star Grass : 152
Long-hair Plume Grass 118
Mackay Sugar Grass 69
Manna Grass ... 29, 185
Manna Grass, Floating 185
Marram Grass.. 60
Mat Grass ae 69
Meadow Rice Grass ... 99
Microleena stipoides, R. Br. 16, 99
Millet (with various prefixes) 88
Millet, Ditch ‘ 18
Millet, Evergreen ... 87
Millet, Hungarian... 55
Millet, Koda 18, 20
Millet, Native 42
Millet, Sea-side 20
Millet, Swamp 164
Mitchell Grass 143, 144
Mitchell Grass, Bastard 7
Mitchell Grass, Coarse 143
Monoi ... ae 82
Mulga Grass ... 66, 137
Native Millet .. 49
Needle Grass ... 69
Neurachne alopecuroides, R. Br. 15, 66
Neurachne Mitchelliana, Nees 15, 66
Neurachne Munroi, F. Muell. 15, 67
Nodding Feather Grass 99
Number Nine Grass ... 110
Oat Grass z
Oat Grass, Blue ay
Oat Grass, Purple-awned
Oat Grass, Spiked
Oat Grass, Tall
Oo-kin ... ;
Oplismenus Buri manni, " Beaay.
Oplismenus compositus, Beauv.
Oplismenus compositus, var. setarius
Oplismenus setarius, R. et Sch.
Panicum adspersum, Trin. ...
Panicum ammophilum, F.v.M.
Panicum atrovirens, Trin.
Panicum Baileyi, Benth.
Panicum bicolor, R. Br.
Panicum ciliare, Retz
Panicum ccenicolum, F. Muell.
Panicum colonum, Linn.
Panicum crus-galli, Linn.
Panicum decompositum, R, Br.
Panicum distachyum, Linn.
Panicum divaricatissimum, R. Br..
Panicum effusum, R. Br.
Panicum flavidum, Retz.
Panicum foliosum, R. Br.
Panicum gracile, R. Br. ...
Panicum helopus, Trin.
Panicum imbecille
Panicum indicum, Linn.
Panicum levinode, Lindl.
Panicum leucopheum, H.B.K
Paspalum littorale, R. Br.
Panicum macractinum, Benth.
Panicum marginatum, R. Br.
Panicum melananthum, F. Muell..
Panicum Mitchelli, Benth. .
Panicum obseptum, Trin.
Paspalum orbiculare, Forst.
Panicum paludosum, Roxb.
Panicum parviflorum, R. Br.
Panicum paradoxzum, R. Br.
Panicum prolutum, F. Muell.
Panicum pygmeum, R. Br.
Panicum radiatum, R. Br. ...
Panicum repens, Linn,
Panicum reversum, F. Muell.
Panicum sanguinale, Linn. ...
Panicum semialatum, R. Br.
Panicum spectalile :
Panicum spinescens, R. Br....
Panicum tenuiflorum, R. Br.
Panicum tenuissimum, Benth.
Panicum trachyrhachis, Benth.
Panicum uncinulatum, R. Br.
Pappophorum avenaceum, Lindl.
Pappophorum commune, F.v.M.
Pappophorum nigricans, R. Br.
Parramatta Grass ;
Paspalum brevifolium, Fluegge.
Paspalum distichum, Linn. .
Paspalum littorale, BBE ys,
Paspalum minutifiorum, Steud.
Paspalum orbiculare Forst. ... a
Paspalum scrobiculatum, Linn, ...
PAGE.
93, 132, 188 | Pawpa ...
x 190 | Pennisetum compressum, R. Br.
; 138 | Pennisetum japonicum, Trin.
131 | Pentapogon ee R.Br,
93 | Perotis latifolia, Ait..
50 | Perotis vara, gh Bree :
53 | Phoma graminis, West ts
15, 52 | Phoma nitida, Roxb.... :
53 | Phragmites communis, Trin. te
15, 53 | Phyllachora graminis, Pers. Be
Pigeon Grass ... ; or
Plume Grass, Long- hair :
... 15, 43 | Plume Grass, Short-hair ae
5a 28 | Poa ustralis ... ?
... 164 | Poa cespitosa, Forst.
... 15,32 | Poa fluitans, Scop: —.-
... 15, 47 | Poa Fordeana, F.v.M.
ie 29 | Poa latispicea, F.v.M.
... 15, 27 | Poa lepida, F. Muell.
_ 38 | Poa nodosa, Nees.
15, 21, 38 | Poa ramigera, F.v.M.
... 15, 52 | Pollinia Cummingii, Nees. ...
re ie: Pollinia fulva, Benth.
15, 27 | Porcupine Grass
15, 48 | Potamophila parviflora, R. Br.
15, 34 | Prickly Couch Grass..
15, 43 | Psamma arenaria, R. & 8...
15, 35 | Puccinia phragmites, Schum. oa
15, 36 | Purple-awned Oat Grass
53 | Purple-topped Grass...
15, 41
49 | Quack Grass... ae
15, 32
20 | Rat-tail Grass... ae
15,28) || RediGrassaere. ie *
. 15, 46 | Red Gulf Grass a :
15, 48 | Red-ribbed Grass P
15, 49 | Reed Grass :
15. 47 | Resin on a Grass Me
18 | Ribbony Grass or
: 49 | Rice Grass ae ee
15, 23, 31 | Rice Grass, Meadow... ae ae
: 59 Rockhampton Hay Grass pa
15, 51 | Rockhampton Star Grass Pe
15, 45 | Rolling Grass, Spiny... Ra:
28 | Roly-poly Grass - 53
15, 44 | Rooi Grass FE:
15, 37 | Rottbellia compr esstt, Beauv. me
15, 29 | Rough Bearded Grass nc
15, 33 | Rough Bent Grass A =e
90 | St. Augustine Grass ... ae oe
58 | Salt Grass... sep ie
22 | Sandstay a :
15, 31 | Satin-top , “He
15, 50 | Satin-topped Grass...
15, 44 | Scented Grass.. oH
17, 142 | Schedonorus Hookerianus, Benth ...
142 | Schedonorus littoralis, Beauy. rr
17, 142 | Sclerospora macrospora, Sace. bes
.. 160 | Serub Burr Grass as oo
15, 22, 23 | Sea-coast Grass ore ace
. 15, 20 | Seaside Brome Grass... ae wat
20 | Seaside Millet... aie a
15, 23 | Septoria bromi, Sacc.. cs ite
18 | Setaria glauca, Beauv.
15, 18 | Setaria macrostachya, H.B. Kress
198
a
—.
—
~I
.
—
S
[1 es)
———.- a
Short-hair Plume Grass
Slender Bent Grass ...
Silk Grass
Silky-heads
Silt Grass
Silver Grass ..
Sorghu:n halepense, Pers.
Sorghi!m plumosum, Beany.
Sorgh um vulgare ‘ ‘
Sorosporium eriachnes, Thun.
Sour Grass wee
Small Burr Grass
Small Crow-foot Grass
Smut Grass
Spear Grass...
Spear Grass, Bunch.. ;
Spherella gr aminicola, Fekl.
Spider Grass ...
Spiked Bent Grass
Spike Grass...
Spiked Oat Grass_...
Spinifex hirsutus, Labill
Spinifex paradoxus, Benth..
Spiny Rolling Grass ...
Sporobolus actinocladus, F. “Muell,
Sporobolus diander, Beauy..
Sporobolus elongatus .
Sporobolus indicus, Br. :
Sporobolus Lindleyi, Benth,
Sporobolus pulchellus, Br.
Sporobolus virginicus, Kunth.
Spring Grass, Early ...
Spunaria alba, Bull. ...
Star Grass... S06
Star Grass, Blue
Star Grass, Gracemere
Star Grass, Lesser ae
Star Grass, Rockhampton ...
Star Grass, Tall
Stenotaphrum americanum, Schrank.
Stipa aristiglumis, F. Muell.
Stipa Dichelachne, Steud.
Stipa elegantissima, Labill .
Stipa flavescens, Labill.
Stipa inebrians, "Hance
Stipa micrantha, Cav.
Stipa pennata ..
Stipa petriet, Buchanan
Stipa pubescens, Re Br,
Stipa scabra, Lindl.
Stipa semibarbata, R. Br., and var, mollis 16,
Stipa setacea, R. Br..
Stipa sibirica Lam.
Stipa spartea ...
Stipa tenacissima :
Stipa Tuckeri, F.v. M.
Stipa verticillata, Nees ss
Stipa viridula, Trin. ... Sct
Sugar Grass... Bc8
Sugar Grass, Mackay —
Summer Grass nC
Summer Grass, Warrego
Swamp Fax- tail Grass
Swamp Millet... ac
eh
Taldra-auto.., ae
Tall Oat Grass
Tall Star Grass se
Tetrarrhena juncea, R. Br. ..
Theeaphoria inquinans, B & Br.
Themeda Forskalii, Hackel ...
Themela gigantea, Hackel
Tickle Grass
Tindil ... Arie
Toothed Bent Grass sine
Tragus racemosa, Desf.
Triodia irritans, R. Br.
T'riodia microdon, F.v.M.
Triodia Mitchelli, Benth,
T'riodia pungens ee
Triraphis microdon, Benth...
Triraphis mollis, R. Br.
Trisetum subspicatum, Beauv.
Triticum pectinatum, R. Br.
Triticum scabrum, R. Br.
Triticum velutinum
Tufted Hair Grass
Turpentine Grass ___...
Tussock or Tussac Grass, Blue
Twisted Beard Grass...
Two-finger Grass
Umbrella Grass :
Uniola distichophylla, ‘Labill..
Ustilago australis, Cooke.
Ustilago bromivora, Waldh,
Ustilago Cesatii, Waldh.
Ustilago destruens, Schlecht.
Ustilago segetum, Bull.
Ustilago Teppert, Lud.
Vandyke Grass
“ilfa tenacissima
Vilfa virginica
Wallaby Grass at
Warrego Summer-Grass
Water Couch ...
Water Fox-tail Grass.
Water Grass bss
Weeping Grass a
Wet lands, Grasses for
W heat Grass..
White-topped Grass .
Wild Oats Hee
Windmill Grass
Winter Grass ...
Wire Grass
Wiry Grass. ... :
Woolly-headed Grass
Yak-ka-Berry... ae ses
Yard Grass’ ... Wee ae
Yellow Fox-tail athe
Zacate ...
Zoysia pungens, “Willd.
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