General Description:

Themeda is a genus of grasses occurring in Australia, Asia and Africa. There are about 30 species worldwide with about 5 being found in Australia. T.triandra (syn. T. australis) is the most common member of the genus in Australia.

Themeda triandra is a tufted, perennial grass that forms spreading or upright clumps, usually about 0.5 metres high but may reach about 1.5 metres high. The leaves are usually greyish green but forms with a blue-grey colour can be found. Flowers are seen from late spring to mid autumn, appearing as reddish-brown spikelets with distinct awns (stiff bristles) and surrounded by leaf-like bracts. Seed ripens in late summer but there may be a high proportion of infertile seed present.

Kangaroo Grass is a useful, tufting species for a rockery area. It is very hardy in most soils and prefers a sunny to semi-shade position. The species can withstand extended dry periods once established. A very useful cultivar known as ‘Mingo’ is especially attractive having a prostrate, spreading habit up to about 0.3 metres high with blue-grey foliage and rusty red/brown flower spikes.

Propagation can be carried out from seed but germination may be very slow. Division of established clumps is probably the more reliable method of propagation.

 

Plant profile image

Themeda triandra ‘Mingo’
Photo: Brian Walters

Plant profile image

Themeda triandra ‘Mingo’
Photo: Brian Walters

Plant profile image

Themeda triandra ‘Mingo’
Photo: Brian Walters

 

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