Scientific name: Eragrostis cilianensis (All.) Vign.-Lut. ex JanchenSynonyms: Poa cilianensis All., Eragrostis major L. Host, E. megastachya (Koel.) LinkCommon name:StinkgrassFamily: PoaceaeOrigin:Native of Africa and possibly the Mediterranean. Habit:Perennial tufted grass with erect or ascending culms which tend to sprawl, leaves are glandular with an unpleasant odour when fresh. Inflorescences are panicles reaching 50 cm. Habitat:Common weed of tended areas growing on a range of different soils, often infests fallow wheat fields. General description:Stems and leavesThe midribs of the leaf sheaths often have hairs with a swelling at the base as well as wart-like glands. Leaf blades are mostly hairless, linear, gradually narrowing to the tip, up to 25 x 0.9 cm. Margins of leaves have wart-like glands. Flowers and fruitThe inflorescences are branching and compact, 4-30 cm long. There are usually glands on the branchlets and pedicels carrying the spikelets. Spikelets are flattened, ovate to oblong, 0.3-3 x 0.2-0.4 cm with 5-60 florets. The spikelets are yellowish or greyish green and often glandular. Seeds are minute, rust coloured, with a glossy pitted surface. Distinguishing characteristics:A perennial tufted grass with tubercular hairs, warty glands, unpleasant odour in fresh plants. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Friend, E. (1983). Queensland Weed Seeds. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. |