Scented top

Capillipedium spp., Capillipedium spicigerum

This grass is very similar to the closely-related species Capillipedium parviflorum and shares the same common name.
Distribution
Scented Top grass is primarily found on the east coast of Australia, although it is also found in small quantities in the Northern Territory and it also occurs on some Pacific islands.
Description
A long-lived perennial with warm season growth. It is a clumping plant with erect seedheads often up to 1.5 metres tall. This grass is of value for its attractive appearance and the scent of its seedheads, as it produces little palatable fodder. The purple-coloured seedheads remain on the plant for some months and flowering can be almost continuous throughout the year in all except the winter affected areas.
Habitat/Soil
It is common on the open edges of eucalyptus woodlands which receive infrequent grazing and the grass seems to accept the occasional shading of taller trees. It is found on a wide range of soil types.

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