Astrebla
Template:Short description Template:Use Australian English Template:Automatic taxobox
Astrebla is a small genus of xerophytic (adapted to survive in an environment with little liquid water) grasses found only in Australia.[1] They are the dominant grass across much of the continent.[2] They are commonly known as Mitchell grass after Scottish explorer Thomas Mitchell (1792-1855), who first collected a specimen near Bourke in New South Wales.
Mitchell grasses grow on clay soils, mainly between an upper limit of Script error: No such module "convert". and a lower limit of Script error: No such module "convert". average annual rainfall, and at even lower rainfall in depressions where the water concentrates following rains, for example in Sturt's Stony Desert. Mitchell grasses are deep-rooted and become dormant during drought, allowing them to survive extended periods without rainfall.[3][4]
They are commonly found clumped together and reaching one metre high, providing habitat for organisms such as mammals.[5]
| Scientific name | Common name | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Astrebla elymoides | hoop Mitchell grass | the second most common species |
| Astrebla lappacea | curly Mitchell grass | the most common species |
| Astrebla pectinata | barley Mitchell grass | the most drought-tolerant species |
| Astrebla squarrosa | bull Mitchell grass | the most flood-tolerant species |
See also
References
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- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Atlas of Living Australia, Astrebla F.Muell. ex Benth., Mitchell Grass
- ↑ FutureBeef Program for Northern Australia
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ↑ The Plant List search for Astrebla
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