About Us

The IFFA is dedicated to the future of Australian flora and fauna, whether in habitats of world heritage quality or in the urban back yard. Read More

Who's online

There are currently 0 users and 1 guest online.

Austrostipa mollis

Posted Sun, 02/05/2010 - 22:26 by BB
Common Names: 
Spear Grass

Tall, to 1 metre. This species is very similar to Austrostipa semibarbata and mature seeds are needed to readily distinguish them. In Austrostipa mollis the hairs on the tightly coiled part of the seed's awn (long projection at the top of the seed) appear to spiral around the awn. In A. semibarbata the hairs are evenly distributed and the spiralling effect is not evident.

Gardening Hints: 

The large seed heads make an attractive feature in gardens. Plant in areas that are open with good air movement, similar to the escarpments and rocky outcrops that the species came from.
Can be pruned back in late summer after flowering if the plant appears scraggly.

Propagation: 

Sow 12 - 18 month old seed in summer. Spray with a fine mist of smoke spray, encouraging seeds to drill into propagation mix. Seeds germinate best in temperatures over 25 degrees.