Scented Top grass
Capillipedium spicigerum

Scented Top grass (Capillipedium spicigerum) is found on lower fertility soils of roadsides, native pastures and woodlands. It is mainly found in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. It is also common component of grasslands on forest soils.

It's a soft, palatable and attractive native grass. It often co-occurs with Bothriochloa bladhii (Forest Bluegrass). The two grasses are sometimes confused possibly owing to the reddish colour of inflorescences. Both grasses also show case similiar behavioural traits. Scented Top grass may persist under competition from invasive species.

This grass is useful as a hay and pasture variety and also establishes well in rehabilitiation. Other native grasses commonly occuring with Capillipedium include Dichanthium sericeum (Silky Bluegrass), Bothriochloa decipiens (Pitted Bluegrass), Heteropogon contortus (Black Speargrass), Cymbopogon refractus (Barbed-Wire Grass), Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass) and Aristida spp (Three-Awn Grasses).

Exotic grasses often found in the same areas that Scented Top grass is growing are Rhodes Grass and the weed, Eragrostis curvula (African Love Grass). Capillipedium will compete with the latter except with severe, long term, over-grazing. It is possible that Capillipedium will outcompete Rhodes grass where fertility is run down. This is especially if phosphorous is limited.