Eragrostis setifolia

Nees

Narrow leaf Neverfail Grass, Bristly Love Grass, Naked woollybutt, Plain grass, Perennial lovegrass

Poaceae Edible: Seeds, Cereal 33 iNaturalist observations

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iNaturalist· cc-by-sa

Summary

Eragrostis setifolia, commonly known as neverfail grass, is a species of perennial grass in the family Poaceae native to Australia, where it is widespread and common throughout the range lands and is commonly utilized as a pasture grass. According to IUCN classification it is listed as a least concern species throughout most of its range with the exception of Victoria where it is classified as vulnerable. It is capable of C4 photosynthesis.

Description

A grass which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20-45 cm high. It forms clumps which spread slowly. The leaves are 4-13 cm long by 0.1-0.3 cm wide. The are narrow and can be flat or rolled inwards. They are rough on the upper surface. The edges are thickened and sharp. The stems are 20-45 cm long and slender and wiry. The branched flower head is 7-10 cm long by 1-2.5 cm wide. There are separate clusters of spikelets. These are green and 1-1.5 cm long. They are flattened.

Edible Uses

The seeds are eaten as a cereal grain.

Distribution

It grows in inland areas in Australia. It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in loose clusters on the beds of occasional streams. It is very hardy. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from seed or by division of the plant.

Notes

There are about 300 Eragrostis species.

References (14)

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Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 189
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1984, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 3. Lothian. p 423
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 93
Hall, N. et al, 1972, The Use of Trees and Shrubs in the Dry Country of Australia, AGPS, Canberra. p 168

Show all 14 references

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Paczkowska, G. & Chapman, A.R., 2000, The Western Australian Flora. A Descriptive Catalogue. Western Australian Herbarium. p 106
Petheram, R.J. and Kok, B., 2003, Plants of the Kimberley Region of Western Australia. UWA Press p 135
Wheeler, J.R.(ed.), 1992, Flora of the Kimberley Region. CALM, Western Australian Herbarium, p 1165