Heteropogon triticeus is a tropical, perennial tussock grass with a native distribution encompassing Tropical and Temperate Asia, Malesia and Northern and Eastern Australia. The plant grows to over 2 metres (6.6 ft) in height and is favoured in most environments by frequent burning. The plants develop characteristic dark seeds with a single long awn at one end and a sharp spike at the other. The awn becomes twisted when dry and straightens when moistened, and in combination with the spike is capable of drilling the seed into the soil.[1]
| Heteropogon triticeus | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Heteropogon |
| Species: | H. triticeus
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| Binomial name | |
| Heteropogon triticeus | |
| Synonyms | |
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Andropogon triticeus R.Br. | |
The species is known as giant spear grass, and is closely related to the more common black spear grass, with which it is commonly associated in Northern Australia.
Uses
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References
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- ^ "Heteropogon triticeus (Poaceae)". 8 September 2011.
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