108 AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANTS. 
143. Sorghum halepense, Pers., (Syn. Holcus halepensis, Linn. ; 
Andropogon halepense, Sibth.); B.Fl., vii., 540. Noted in 
Muell. Cens., p. 132, as Andropogon halepense. 
A strong, erect-growing species, varying from two to ten feet 
high, succulent when young, a splendid grass for a cattle run, 
though not much sought after by sheep. It is a free seeder. 
The settlers on the banks of the Hawkesbury (New South Wales) 
look upon it as a recent importation, and seed of it has been 
distributed under the name of Panicum spectabile! (Woolls.) 
Coast of Queensland, New South Wales, and Western 
Australia. 
144. Spinifex hirsutus, Zadc7/., (Syn. 8. sericeus, Raoul.; S. 
inermis, Bks. et Sol.; Zxalum inerme, Forst.); B.FI., vii., 
503- ; 
“ Spring Rolling Grass.” 
The present grass has no claim whatever as a food plant for 
stock, and can only be recommended as a sand-binder in fixing 
drift sands when encroaching on valuable land. For this purpose 
it deserves more attention than has hitherto been bestowed upon it. 
It is a plant of comparatively rapid growth, and would give 
effectual aid in checking the inroads of wind-driven sand, 
conditionally that the plants be carefully conserved from fire. 
(Buchanan, J/ndigenous Grasses of New Zealand.) S. longifolius, 
R.Br. (Syn. S. fragilis, R.Br.), is another species valuable for 
the same purpose, 
On the coast of all the colonies. 
145. Sporobolus actinocladus, 7.7.12, (Syn. Vilfa or Agrostis 
actinoclada, F.v.M.) ; B.FI., vii., 623. 
Perennial; seeds in October and November. A much 
esteemed pasture grass of the back country, common on rich 
loamy soil; stock of all kinds are very fond of it. 
South Australia, New South Wales to Northern Australia. 
