Eragrostis curvula

African Lovegrass at Isaacs Ridge and Nearby

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Identification history

Eragrostis parviflora	19 Dec 2023	Tapirlord
Eragrostis curvula	18 Dec 2023	natureguy
Eragrostis curvula	18 Dec 2023	Mike

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User's notes

Tall form.

8 comments

Tapirlord wrote:

19 Dec 2023

Appears very tall, that might be the native species. I have not heard of this African love grass “tall form”

Mike wrote:

19 Dec 2023

African lovegrass is a "relatively large and tufted long-lived grass with stems growing 30-120 cm tall". I think there are several forms that have been introduced for pasture and have become invasive; there is also a 'non-invasive' variety. Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) is the 'tall form' and Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass) is the short form. There was a report on African lovegrass in the ACT a few years ago; I can't find it quickly but @Steve818 might know more about this grass.

Steve818 wrote:

20 Dec 2023

The invasive grasses collection shows variable African lovegrass can be in height
Invasive grasses in the ACT and NSW Southern Tablelands

Tapirlord wrote:

20 Dec 2023

Sweet thanks. I’ll still review this one when I get home

Tapirlord wrote:

20 Dec 2023

Hmmmm, I'm still not certain this isn't the native E.parviflora. @MattM @Grassman do you know these ones?

Grassman wrote:

20 Dec 2023

Yes you have 2 forms of Eragrostis curvula; short and tall. For a long time people thought the tall form was a native. E parviflora is an annual, so can be pulled out of the ground, curvula can't be - easiest way too tell. This plant looks big and robust + the flowerhead is not weeping at all. Also, the location (in open near a track) suggests curvula. Always hard to be certain from photos alone

Tapirlord wrote:

20 Dec 2023

Sweet, the advice is much appreciated!!

MattM wrote:

20 Dec 2023

@Tapirlord If I recall correctly E. parviflora is a much wispier looking plant and less tufted. I took a photo of the two forms of E. curvula growing side by side on Stockdill Dr, ACT. If I can find the photo I can send it to you for reference.

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