Rat-tail grass, Ka-too-ra, Ray grass
Sporobolus actinocladus
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A tufted grass. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 15-50 cm high. Tufts can be 60 cm across. The leaf blades are flat. They are 3-6 cm long and 3-6 mm wide. The edges are rough and hairy. The inflorescence is a pyramid shaped panicle. It is 5-15 cm long.
There are about 100-160 Sporobolus species. They are mainly in the tropics and subtropics.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows on flood plains and is often on alkaline soils in the drier parts of the Kimberleys.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China
How it is used for food
Edible parts
Seeds, cereal