Scientific Name

Sporobolus virginicus

Family

Poaceae

Description

Saltcouch is a perennial grass with erect leafy stems. It grows in mat formations from rhizomes to a height of 15-30 cm.

The plant’s leaves are alternate, up to 15 cm long, and are in two ranks on either side of the stem.

The stems can be both vertical and horizontal (underground rhizomes).

It flowers throughout the year, and flower heads can grow up to 10 cm long.

The fruit is approximately 4 mm long.

Saltcouch grows in upper tidal, inter-tidal and some inland areas. It prefers sandy soils and tends to form dense, low mats of vegetation.

When transplanted as a turf it makes an excellent plant for rehabilitation of saline wetlands.

Distribution

The plant appears Queensland-wide on both the coast and in inland saline soils.

Flowering Period

Distribution

Features