Description
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 Dicanthium 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.
TOLERANCES
- Extremely drought tolerant
- Readily grazed
SOWING
| SOW RATE |
| 3-5kg per acre |
9-12kg per ha |
SOWING GUIDELINES
- For best results try to ensure that the seed bed is weed free. Native grasses are slow growers and effective weed control is highly desirable.
- It is also incredibly helpful to know the pH levels of your soil so take soil sample to test your soil pH level, following test kit instructions.
- While the soil is under preparation, it is a good idea to sow a few seeds into a sterile seed raising mix to be kept moist until germination. This will allow for easier identification of lawn seedlings once the lawn is sown.
- Before sowing, the soil surface should be loosened with either a rake or harrows to ensure adequate seed to soil contact.
- No fertiliser is necessary. in particular, avoid any phosphate-based fertilisers. the addition of organic matter however will add to a successful result.
- Spread the seed evenly over the prepared surface and rake it in, so it is lightly covered. Seed sown deeper than 15 mm may not germinate.
- Where possible, try rolling the area as it lightly presses soil particles together and ensures grass seeds are in contact with the soil. This will eliminate air pockets that could interfere with seed germination and growth and a rolled seedbed also holds moisture longer.
- If there is access to irrigation, for the first three weeks, water approximately 2-3 times a week, taking into account the weather. It is important after sowing grass seed to ensure seeds do not dry out.
- Use the sown seed sample to help identify grass seedlings from weeds.
Unfortunately due to Quarantine restrictions this product is not available to Western Australia
