Contents
Description
Australopyrum is a genus of plants that belongs to the Poaceae family. The name comes from the Latin words “australis,” which means southern, and “pyrum,” which means wheat. This genus contains only one species, Australopyrum pectinatum, which is native to Australia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Australopyrum |
| Species | Australopyrum pectinatum |
Appearance
Australopyrum pectinatum is a tufted perennial grass that can grow up to 50cm in height. The stems are slender, erect and smooth, with nodes that are usually hairless. The leaf blades are narrow, flat and rough to the touch, with a sharp tip and a slightly rough margin. The inflorescence is a dense panicle that can grow up to 10cm long and 5cm wide. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, with spikelets that have two to four florets each. The seeds are narrow and elongated, with a length of about 3mm.
Care Guide
Australopyrum pectinatum is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:- Water: This plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate occasional drought. Water it regularly during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year with a balanced fertilizer in spring.- Soil: This plant can grow in a wide range of soils, but prefers well-drained, fertile soil.- Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Australopyrum pectinatum is hardy to USDA zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Australopyrum pectinatum is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can occasionally be affected by leaf spot, rust, or smut. To prevent these diseases, avoid overcrowding and provide good ventilation. If necessary, treat the plant with a fungicide.
Habitat
Australopyrum pectinatum is native to Australia, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky slopes. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. This plant is adaptable to different soil types and can grow in both dry and moist conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Australopyrum pectinatum a good plant for erosion control?
A: Yes, this plant is often used for erosion control because of its deep, fibrous root system.
Q: How often should I water Australopyrum pectinatum?
A: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but reduce watering in winter.
Q: Can I propagate Australopyrum pectinatum by division?
A: Yes, you can propagate this plant by division in spring or early autumn.
Q: Is Australopyrum pectinatum a good plant for a meadow garden?
A: Yes, this plant can be a great addition to a meadow garden because of its attractive flowers and ability to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants in the Poaceae family that you might be interested in:- Elymus- Festuca- Hordeum- Lolium- Phalaris
References
– Australian National Herbarium. (n.d.). Australopyrum. Retrieved from https://www.anbg.gov.au/cgi-bin/apni?TAXON_NAME=Australopyrum- Orwa, C., Mutua, A., Kindt, R., Jamnadass, R., & Anthony, S. (2009). Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide version 4.0. Retrieved from https://www.worldagroforestry.org/output/agroforestry-database/589/australopyrum-pectinatum- Plants of the World Online. (n.d.). Australopyrum (Lauterb.) A.Löve & D.Löve. Retrieved from http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60401114-2
