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Austrostipa mollis

Posted Thu, 06/05/2010 - 22:31 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 . 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. 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.