Heteropogon triticeus

Heteropogon triticeus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Panicoideae
Tribe: Andropogoneae
Genus: Heteropogon
Species: H. triticeus
Binomial name
Heteropogon triticeus

Heteropogon triticeus is a tropical, perennial tussock grass with a native distribution encompassing Tropical and Temperate Asia, Malesia and Northern and Eastern Australia. The plant grows to over 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height and is favoured in most environments by frequent burning. The plants develop characteristic dark seeds with a single long awn at one end and a sharp spike at the other. The awn becomes twisted when dry and straightens when moistened, and in combination with the spike is capable of drilling the seed into the soil.[1]

The species is known as giant spear grass', and is closely related to the more common Black Spear Grass, with which it is commonly associated in Northern Australia.

References

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