iVov. 2, 1920.] Agricultural Gazette of N.S.W. 789 



Popular Descriptions of Grasses* 



[Continued from page 512.] 



E. BREAKWELL, B.A., B.Sc, Agrostologist. 



THE SPOROBOLUS GRASSES. 



Thb Sporobolus grasses are fairly common over the warm parts of both the 

 Old and the New World. 



Their economic importance varies considerably according to the species. 

 The well-known American Sacaton grasses (for example, S. airoides and 

 <S. Wrightii) are considered very valuable grasses, particularly on alkaline 

 lands, while other species receive such invidious names as Rush grass and 

 Cord grass — fair indicators of their low value. 



In New South Wales the Sporobolus grasses cannot be considered nearly as 

 important as some of the genera previously described, but one species, 

 S. indicus, is very common over the greater portion of the State, and is of least 

 value of all. The Sporobolus grasses in the western districts, however, 

 although limited in abundance, have a very high feeding value, and are very 

 much unlike the Sporobolus indicus (Parramatta grass) of the coast. 



Hahif. — Sporobolus grasses vary considerably in superficial appearance. 

 In the western districts the inflorescence resembles that of the Love grasses. 

 Close examination, however, will show the presence of only one flower on 

 each spikelet, while in the Love grasses there are several overlapping 

 flowers to every spikelet. 



The Sporobolus grasses on the coast, however, have the inflorescence 

 in the shape of a long spike, and are often called Rat's Tail grass on this 

 account. i 



S/Jorobolus indicus (Fig. 1), commonly known as Parramatta grass. Tussock 

 grass, or Rat's Tail grass, is very common on the sandstone soils of the 

 coastal districts as well as on the alluvial and volcanic soils of the interior. 

 It is perhaps more common in the County of Cumberland than anywhere, 

 and is a constant source of trouble in Sydney grass lawns. Being tussocky 

 in appearance and rapid in growth in the summer, it becomes very unsightly 

 in a lawn. It has been proved, however, that a good growth of other grasses 

 on enriched soils will succeed in suppressing it, whereas the grass itself will 

 stand a great deal of hard treatment on poor soils before it can be eradicated . 

 Top-dressing of buffalo and couch lawns is essential if Parramatta grass has 

 to be suppressed. Tufts of this grass should and can easily be removed when 

 the soil is moist, 'by twisting the stems in the hand, grasping the grass low 

 down, and pulling hard ; the whole root system of the tuft is removed in the 

 operation. 



