Eragrostis dielsii

Eragrostis dielsii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Eragrostis
Species: E. dielsii
Binomial name
Eragrostis dielsii
Pilg.

Eragrostis dielsii, commonly known as mallee lovegrass, is a species of grass endemic to Australia.

Description

It grows as an annual or short-lived perennial tuft up to 40 centimetres high with erect, spreading culms. Flowers are green and purple, and occur in panicles.[1]

Taxonomy

This species was first published in 1904 by Robert Knud Friedrich Pilger, based on specimens collected in the vicinity of Carnarvon, Western Australia. A number of varieties and forms have been published since then, but none are currently maintained.[2]

Distribution and habitat

It is widespread in Australia, occurring in every mainland state. It is often found in mallee vegetation. It favours light clay soils, but is also found growing in sands, loams, and limestone soils.[3][4]

References

  1. Clayton, W.D.; Harman, K.T.; Williamson, H. "Eragrostis dielsii". GrassBase - The Online World Grass Flora. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
  2. "Eragrostis dielsii Pilg.". Australian Plant Name Index (APNI), IBIS database. Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research, Australian Government.
  3. "Eragrostis dielsii Pilg.". FloraBase. Department of Environment and Conservation, Government of Western Australia.
  4. New South Wales Flora Online: Eragrostis dielsii Royal Botanic Gardens & Domain Trust, Sydney, Australia.