Quizzical Spear-grass
Austrostipa stuposa
Tall tufted grass with flower stems to 1.2 m tall. Stem joints (nodes) are velvety hairy. Inrolled or flat leaf up to 40 cm long. Short hairy leaf-collar (ligule) Loose shortened seedheads 30 cm. Seeds are purplish or straw coloured, becoming dark reddish brown on maturity, and covered with golden or white hairs. Hairy bristle or awn.
| Details |
| Flora Type |
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| Former Scientific Name |
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| Distinctive Features |
Hairy bristle or awn 45-70 mm long, bent twice.
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| Biology |
Perennial. Range of soil types and habitats. Preferential grazing of other grasses can lead to flowering and seeding of Spear-grass and their long awns (bristles) can work their way into the skin, mouths and eyes of stock, and contaminate wool.
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| Native Status |
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| Flowering Time |
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Tall tufted grass with flower stems to 1.2 m tall. Stem joints (nodes) are velvety hairy. Inrolled or flat leaf up to 40 cm long. Short hairy leaf-collar (ligule) Loose shortened seedheads 30 cm. Seeds are purplish or straw coloured, becoming dark reddish brown on maturity, and covered with golden or white hairs. Hairy bristle or awn.
| Details |
| Flora Type |
|
| Former Scientific Name |
|
| Distinctive Features |
Hairy bristle or awn 45-70 mm long, bent twice.
|
| Biology |
Perennial. Range of soil types and habitats. Preferential grazing of other grasses can lead to flowering and seeding of Spear-grass and their long awns (bristles) can work their way into the skin, mouths and eyes of stock, and contaminate wool.
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| Native Status |
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| Flowering Time |
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| Taxonomy |
| Phylum |
Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) |
| Order |
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| Family |
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| Genus |
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| Species |
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Seed coloration and hairiness as well as the awns (bristles on seeds) are important identification features for Spear-grass species. A food source for seed-eating birds including finches. Also attracts moths and butterflies.
| Interesting Facts |
| Similar Species |
A. stuposa is a variable species. Many features in common with A. mollis (hairy awn) or A. blackii.
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| Native Status |
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