Microlaena stipoides

Family Poaceae

Weeping grass, Meadow Ricegrass

Slender, tufted grass to 70 cm high with contracted rhizome and fine radiating roots to 10 cm. Longevity 2 - 5 years.

Flowers: At any time fo the year in response to rain. Wind pollinated.

Fruit: Dry, one-seeded, indehiscent, mature December to April.

Seed: Dispersed by adhesion. Fresh seed non-dormant.

Gallery images: seed, seedling, rootstock, resprout

Ecology

• Woodland and grassland habitat in sheltered sites, with partial shade.
• Common in woodland at the Australian Botanic Garden.
• Coloniser of sheltered sites sometimes forming monocultural stands.
• Seedlings noted in burnt area after rain.
• Resprouts after fire.
• C3 cool season metabolism.