Mitchell grass, Barley mitchell grass
Astrebla pectinata
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A dense tussocky grass. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 20-100 cm high. There are short stout rhizomes. These have erect branched stems. The butts are often knotty. They can be covered with shining scales. The leaf sheaths are tight. The edges of the leaves are sharp and can become curly and twisted with age. The flowering stalk is 7-8 cm long.
There are 4 Astrebla species. They occur in Australia.
Where it is found
It grows on dry cracking flood plains near rivers. It grows in tropical places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The seeds are gathered and ground into flour and used for damper.
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal
How it is grown
It is grown from seed.
Its other names
Local names
Ganalay