Barbed Wire Grass

Description:

Cymbopogon refractus, commonly known as "barbed wire grass", is a perennial grass native to Australia. It's a tufted bunchgrass which has stems that can grow up to 1.5 metre in height. Flowers are red-brown spikelets, turned back like spikes on barbed wire-fencing. The leaves also have a lemon scent when touched, hence is also known as "lemon scented grass". This grass is long-lived (5-25 years) and is very tolerant of low nutrient and dry sites, is very drought tolerant but readily frosted.

Habitat:

Toohey Forest is a remnant eucalyptus woodland reserve of approximately 655 hectares. The forest is situated within an urban area on the south side of Brisbane, within the city limits. Spotted by the side of the walking track. Widespread in the Eucalyptus forests and woodlands of eastern Australia, especially on lighter soils of low fertility.

Notes:

Barbed wire grass provides valuable habitat for small ground-dwelling mammals, reptiles and frogs, but is also a food plant for orange-streaked ringlet and evening brown caterpillars. The leaves of this species also have medicinal properties and is useful in tea making for the relief of headaches and colds. https://herbalistics.com.au/product/cymb...