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Neurachne spp.
mulga grass
Overview
Neurachne is a small genus of about seven perennial tufted grasses in the family Poaceae, endemic to Australia. Plants form compact tussocks 10-45 cm (4-18 in) tall, with narrow, often inrolled and hairy leaf blades arising from a knotty, sometimes rhizomatous base. In spring and after rain each fertile shoot carries a dense, cylindrical, spike-like panicle 1-5 cm (0.4-2 in) long, the crowded spikelets clothed in soft hairs that give a bristly look. The genus is studied in plant science because it spans three photosynthetic types, with N. munroi and N. minor showing the rare C3-C4 intermediate pathway alongside fully C4 and C3 relatives. Most species grow on poor, sandy or stony soils in open woodland, mallee, and arid shrubland, tolerating heat and long dry periods. N. alopecuroidea, foxtail mulga grass, ranges across much of southern Australia. Plants stay low and unobtrusive for much of the year, greening and flowering mainly in response to seasonal rain.
Native Range
Neurachne is endemic to Australia, where its species occur across the southern, central, and western parts of the continent. They grow in open eucalypt woodland, mallee, and arid or semi-arid shrubland, usually on nutrient-poor sandy or stony ground. Several species are tied to particular soil and climate niches within this range.Suggested Uses
Grown in native, dry, and water-wise gardens and in habitat or revegetation plantings, spaced 20-40 cm (8-16 in) apart. The low tussocks and bristly seed heads suit naturalistic groupings on poor, free-draining soils where many other grasses struggle.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 1'6"
Width/Spread6" - 1'
Bloom Information
The bristly seed heads appear mainly in spring, generally September to November, and again after substantial rain in other seasons. Each spike-like head holds its spikelets for several weeks before shedding seed. Plants may stay dormant through dry spells and flower only when moisture returns.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Greenish to strawFoliage Description
Green to grey-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight