Panicum coloratum var makarikariense leaf5 NWP - Flickr - Macleay Grass Man

Description:

Description: Introduced warm-season perennial robust, tufted C4 grass; mostly hairless, except for hairy cataphylls (reduced leaves) at the plant base; stems can grow to 200 cm tall. Leaves are flat and blue-green with a distinct whitish midvein. Flowerheads are contracted to open panicles; to 30 cm long, nodding or erect, with lower branches mostly alternate and rarely whorled. Spikelets are 2-flowered, relatively densely arranged, 2-3.5 mm long and narrow-elliptic; lower glume is 20-30% of the spikelet’s length; lower lemma is male; upper lemma is smooth and shiny. Flowers from early summer to autumn. A native of Africa, it is sown as a pasture species on the North West Slopes and Plains, but is naturalised elsewhere. Grows on a range of soil types; best suited to self-mulching fertile clays, but also performs well on medium textured clay loams. Tolerates flooding, drought and salinity. Very productive; stems and leaves are palatable and productive; will stay green through mild winters if moisture is available. Very persistent once established, but slow to establish. Following sowing, only graze plants once well anchored. Can cause photosensitisation when dominant in a pasture. Compatible with lucerne, barrel medic and subterranean clover depending on the soil type. Date: 20 May 2016, 10:47. Source: Panicum coloratum var makarikariense leaf5 NWP. Author: Harry Rose from Dungog, Australia. Camera location30° 55′ 36.07″ S, 148° 22′ 36.29″ E View all coordinates using: OpenStreetMap-30.926686; 148.376746.