Astrebla


Astrebla is a small genus of xerophytic grasses found only in Australia. They are the dominant grass across much of the continent. They are commonly known as Mitchell grass after Scottish explorer Thomas Mitchell, who first collected a specimen near Bourke in New South Wales.
Mitchell grasses grow on clay soils, mainly between an upper limit of and a lower limit of average annual rainfall, and at even lower rainfall in depressions where the water concentrates following rains, for example in Sturt's Stony Desert. Mitchell grasses are deep-rooted and become dormant during drought, allowing them to survive extended periods without rainfall.
They are commonly found clumped together and reaching one metre high, providing habitat for organisms such as mammals.
; Species
Scientific nameCommon nameCharacteristics
Astrebla elymoideshoop Mitchell grassthe second most common species
Astrebla lappaceacurly Mitchell grassthe most common species
Astrebla pectinatabarley Mitchell grassthe most drought-tolerant species
Astrebla squarrosabull Mitchell grassthe most flood-tolerant species