Aristida ramosa

Family Poaceae

Wiregrass, Purple Wiregrass

Long lived wiry tussock to 1 m, with roots 1 mm diameter radiating to 10 cm. Inflorescence appressed, narrower than Aristida vagans. Longevity 5 - 25 years.

Flowers: Summer. Wind pollinated.

Fruit: Dry, single seeded with three branched awn, November to June.

Seed: Dispersed by adhesion to mammals such as kangaroos and humans with socks! Awns assist seed burial.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland and grassland habitat, full sun to partial shade.
• Widespread and frequent in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden, locally dominant in places.
• Resprouts after fire.
• C4 warm season metabolism.