Cymbopogon obtectus - Silky Top Lemon Scented

Description

Lemon Scented grass is a long-lived perennial with warm season growth. It is most notable for its seedheads which have a barbed-wire appearance, hence the name. The branches of the seedhead adopt obtuse and opposite angles and are quite distinctive. Plants are upright and non-spreading and reach from 1.2 to 1.5 m tall under normal conditions. It is capable of living under very harsh conditions of drought as long as grazing is not continuous. The leaves emit a strong lemon scent when crushed

Unfortunately due to quarantine restrictions this product is not available in Western Australia.”

Additional Grass Information

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Cymbopogon obtectus

SOILS

It is able to grow on a wide range of soils from sand to loam to clay and is common on poor soils of low fertility. It is common in eucalyptus woodlands which receive infrequent grazing.

TOLERANCES

High drought tolerance
Low frost tolerance
Not tolerant of set stocking

USES

Lemon scented grass provides valuable fodder on poor soils and will produce reasonable quantities as long as it is not grazed continuously. In some landscaping circumstances it can be considered as an alternative to Kangaroo grass as the seedheads are equally distinctive and the plants are similar in size and form.

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

Distribution Map

Lemon Scented grass grows widely across eastern Australia with a higher occurrence along the coastal areas. It is sometimes found in drier inland locations on lighter soils and stony slopes.