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SALTCOUCH FACTS |
Map is from The Atlas of Living Australia web site, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia License
Common Name
Saltcouch
Other Names
Seashore Dropseed, Marine Couch, Sand Couch, Salt Couch Grass, Saltwater Couch, Coastal Rat-Tail Grass
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 2 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, intertidal 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.
Habitat
on the coast and in inland saline soils.
Distribution
It is widespread around the coast of Australia, occurring in every state. Also widespread in many other parts of the world.
Growth Characteristics
Height: 0.3m
Classification
| Class: | Liliopsida | | Order: | Poales | | Family: | Poaceae | | Genus: | Sporobolus | | Species: | virginicus | | Common Name: | Saltcouch |
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.jpg "Sporobolus virginicus")
.jpg "Sporobolus virginicus")
.jpg "Sporobolus virginicus")