rat-tail grass

Dictionary of Australasian Words Phrases and Usages by Edward E. Morris

n.


name given to – – (1) Ischaemum laxum, R. Br., N.O. Gramineae.

1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 92:

«Rat-tail Grass. An upright, slender growing grass; foundthroughout the colony, rather coarse, but yielding a fairamount of feed, which is readily eaten by cattle.»

(2) Sporobolus indicus, R. Br., N.O. Gramineae.

1889. J. H. Maiden, `Useful Native Plants,' p. 109:

«Rat-tail Grass. A fine, open, pasture grass, found throughoutthe colonies. Its numerous penetrating roots enable it toresist severe drought. It yields a fair amount of fodder, muchrelished by stock, but is too coarse for sheep. The seeds formthe principal food of many small birds. It has been suggestedas a paper-making material.»

[See grass.]

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