Poaceae

Cenchrus setaceus

Common Names: Fountain grass

Plant Form: Perennial tussock grass. Size: Up to 1.5 m tall. Stem: Flowering stems long and upright. Leaves: Long narrow blade up to 60 cm long, with small forward directed teeth on edges and upper surface. Flowers: Numerous pink to pale purple in dense cylindrical spike, surrounded by bristles. Fruit and Seeds: Smooth cylindrical grain about 1.8 mm long within the flower. Habitat: Rocky exposed ground, coastal grasslands, disturbed areas, roadsides. Distinguishing Features: Hairy bristles distinguish from other Cenchrus species except Feathertop (C. longisetus) which has cream coloured flowerheads.