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Description
Phalaris Paradoxa, also known as the Australian Phalaris or Paradoxical Canary Grass, is a perennial grass species that is native to Australia. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is commonly used for forage production and erosion control.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Poaceae |
| Genus | Phalaris |
Appearance
Phalaris Paradoxa can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and has a deep root system that makes it drought-tolerant. Its leaves are blue-green in color and can grow up to 30 cm long and 1.5 cm wide. The inflorescences are spike-like and can reach up to 25 cm in length. The seeds of the plant are small and oval-shaped, measuring approximately 2 mm in length.
Care Guide
Phalaris Paradoxa is a low-maintenance plant that thrives in well-draining soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.5. It prefers full sun exposure and is hardy in zones 7 to 10. Watering should be done regularly, but not excessively. Fertilization can be done once a year with a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Common Pests & Diseases
Phalaris Paradoxa is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including aphids, armyworms, and rust. It is important to monitor the plant regularly and take appropriate measures if any infestations occur. Rust can be controlled by applying a fungicide, while aphids and armyworms can be controlled by using insecticides.
Habitat
Phalaris Paradoxa is native to Australia and can be found in various regions across the country, including New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. It is commonly used for forage production and erosion control in these areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Phalaris Paradoxa toxic to animals?
A: No, Phalaris Paradoxa is not toxic to animals and is commonly used for forage production.
Q: Can Phalaris Paradoxa be grown in containers?
A: While it is possible to grow Phalaris Paradoxa in containers, it is not recommended due to its deep root system and tall growth habit.
Q: Is Phalaris Paradoxa invasive?
A: Phalaris Paradoxa is not considered invasive, but it can spread quickly if not properly managed.
Q: Can Phalaris Paradoxa grow in shade?
A: No, Phalaris Paradoxa requires full sun exposure to thrive.
Related Plants
- Phalaris Aquatica
- Phalaris Arundinacea
- Phalaris Canariensis
- Phalaris Minor
References
- “Phalaris Paradoxa.” Atlas of Living Australia, 2021, https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2904674.
- “Phalaris Paradoxa.” Plants of the World Online, 2021, http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:406551-1.
- “Phalaris Paradoxa.” The University of Melbourne, 2021, https://www.weeds.org.au/cgi-bin/weedident.cgi?tpl=plant.tpl&card=H03.
