Plume Grass, Clovenfoot plumegrass
Dichelachne crinita
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Dichelachne crinita is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.6
Where it is found
Basaltic plains in Victoria. Open forest or cleared areas on sandy soils.
Australia and New Zealand.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 1
A strong paper is made from the fibrous stems.
Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in the milder parts of this country. It is likely to require a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed - sow in spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the plants into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle, grow them on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring after the last expected frosts.
Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist