292 CHAPTER XVII 



PHALAKIS BULBOSA (Toowoomba Grass). 



This is a perennial used chiefly for winter soiling and for 

 hay. It is probably the best winter grass introduced into the 

 Union. P. minor, an annual, is often mistaken for hulbosa. 



Origin and Description. — This grass is indigenous to the 

 Mediterranean region of North Africa, and has proved useful 

 under Australian conditions. It was imported by Burtt-Davy 

 in 1903, and for a time was incorrectly described as Phalaris 

 commutata. 



It is a bunch or tussocky grass, having a bluish tinge, and 

 in general appearance somewhat resembles barley. It grows 

 to a height of about three feet. The analysis of Phalaris 

 bulhosa shows a high feeding value, being comparatively rich 

 in protein : — 



This analysis by the Government chemist of N.S. Wales 

 was of grass cut in the flowering stage, and shows a nutrient 

 ratio of 13 : 3-7. It is very palatable. 



Climate and Soils. — On the Dryland Station plots at 

 Pretoria in 1911 two cuttings and a grazing crop were obtained. 

 It has also given good results in Bechuanaland under condi- 

 tions of very low rainfall. It is fairly hardy against drought 

 and is frost-resistant. Given plenty of moisture and a good 

 soil, it gives a very fair growth during the winter months. It 

 thrives best on rich moist soil, and many failures are due to 

 the grass being sown on unproductive soils. Heavy clay soils 

 should be avoided. 



Burtt-Davy says : " Where conditions suit it, it gives as 

 heavy a cutting as green barley, and, being perennial, one can 

 keep on cutting month after month without having to resow." 



Propagation. — The seed costs 3s 6d. to 4s. per pound, 

 and is reported generally to have a low vitaHty. Sow 6 to 8 

 pounds per acre in autumn. Because of the high cost of seed 

 and poor germination, the seed is usually sown in well-prepared 

 beds, and when the seedlings have made a good growth the 

 crowns are split up and transplanted in rows 2,h x 2^ feet. 

 It is not an aggressive grass, and competes badly with weeds; 

 consequently, the land should be clean before transplanting, 

 and the crop should be cultivated to control weeds. 



