Curly Mitchell grass

Curly Mitchell grass (Astrebla lappacea) is a perennial grass species belonging to the Poaceae family. It is recognized as one of the most important forage grasses in the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. Known for its exceptional resilience, this plant forms the backbone of many grazing systems in the Australian interior.

The species originates from the expansive inland plains of Australia. It is highly adapted to heavy clay soils that are prone to cracking during dry spells. This adaptation allows the grass to remain a persistent and productive component of the landscape, providing consistent biomass where other vegetation often fails during droughts.

Botanically, it is a tussock-forming grass that can grow up to 90 cm tall. Its appearance is characterized by curly or bent leaves and distinctive spike-like inflorescences. These structures are adapted to maximize seed production and resilience in high-temperature, low-rainfall environments, allowing the plant to persist through multi-year dry periods.

Agronomic management of Curly Mitchell grass centers on grazing intensity control. Because it is a long-lived perennial, overgrazing can lead to the permanent loss of the tussocks, which are slow to re-establish. The grass is prized for its ability to respond rapidly to summer rainfall, producing highly nutritious forage that sustains livestock throughout the year.

Regarding its utility, the grass is primarily used for extensive grazing of sheep and cattle. It is valued for its nutritional profile, which is maintained even after the plant has cured on the stem during dry seasons. Common threats to the crop include fungal leaf pathogens in wet seasons and locust infestations that can defoliate large grazing areas.