Kingdom Plantae Family Poaceae Scientific name Themeda triandra Rank Species | Order Poales Genus Themeda Higher classification Themeda | |
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Similar Themeda, Grasses, Microlaena stipoides, Heteropogon contortus, Austrodanthonia | ||
Octonary ingredients of themeda triandra formulations pankaj oudhia s medicinal plant database
Themeda triandra is a perennial tussock-forming grass widespread in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Pacific. In Australia it is commonly known as kangaroo grass. In eastern and South Africa it is known as red grass and red oat grass, rooigras in Afrikaans. It does not do well under heavy grazing pressure, but benefits from occasional fire.
Contents
- Octonary ingredients of themeda triandra formulations pankaj oudhia s medicinal plant database
- Red grass themeda triandra feb 16 2011 7 29 7 33am sast
- Distribution
- Habit
- Uses
- References
Red grass themeda triandra feb 16 2011 7 29 7 33am sast
Distribution
Themeda triandra is found across Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific region. Within Australia it has a widespread distribution, being found in all of the states and territories. It grows predominantly in grassland and open woodland communities. Within Australia is a significant species in temperate grasslands in Australia, a habitat considered to be endangered or threatened in various parts of the country.
Habit
The species has a tufted habit and can reach up to 1.5 metres tall and half a metre across. It flowers in summer, producing large red-brown spikelets on branched stems. The leaves are between 10 and 50 centimetres long, and 2-5 millimetres wide.
Uses
The young growth is palatable to stock. T. triandra seed has been used as a famine food in Africa. It also serves as a food source for several avian species, including the long-tailed widowbird. It is also occasionally used as an ornamental plant.
