Microlaena stipoides - (Labill.) R.Br.
(Labill.) R.Br.
Weeping rice grass
gbif· cc-by-nc
Mel
gbif· cc-by-nc
dalesmithyman
gbif· cc-by-nc
dalesmithyman
Description
Microlaena stipoides is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.2 m (0ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.
Edible Uses
A relative of rice. The flour has much higher protein levels - it was 22%, compared with only 9% for rice, 12–14% for hard wheats, and up to 18% for high-protein hybrid maize varieties. Carbon Farming Solutions - Staple Crop: balanced carb (The term staple crop typically refers to a food that is eaten routinely and accounts for a dominant part of people's diets in a particular region of the world). In production although yields are low or unreported.
Distribution
Distributed in South Africa, Sri Lanka, Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii.
Where It Grows
TROPICAL ASIA: Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Philippines AUSTRALASIA: Australia (Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia (south), Victoria, Western Australia (south)), New Zealand
Cultivation
Prefers moist well drained soils that are moderately to highly fertile, in semi-shaded areas. Mean annual rainfall: 200-2250mm. Mean annual temperature: 9-20 °C. Mean max. temperature of the hottest month: 15-41 °C. Mean min. temperature of the coldest month: -1-9 °C. Altitude: 0-1200 metres. Moderately drought tolerant. Tolerates frosts in the 0° to -5°C range. Tolerates salt-laden coastal winds. Grows on clay loam or loam, sandy loam, sandy clay loam soils. Soil pH: acidic (less than 6.5). Soil depth: moderate to deep (30-100 cm or greater). Short-lived less than 15 years. Growth rate: fast. Root system: shallow and spreading. Shade tolerance: tolerates partial shade. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: under development. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).
Propagation
Seed
Other Uses
A high quality grass in late spring, summer and early autumn for grazing cattle. It produces high quality feed (10 to 27% crude protein). Of greater pastoral importance in woodlands of Tasmania and South Australia. Developed for low maintenance lawns - variety (‘Griffin’). Good habitat and seed for native birds. An ornamental in rockeries or under trees.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Weeping grass, Meadow Ricegrass, Varieties: Griffin, Burra, Ovens, Bremmer, Tasman.
