Austrostipa variabilis facts for kids

Austrostipa variabilis is a type of grass that grows in southern parts of Australia. It is also found in South Africa. This grass is known for its tall, tufted shape.

What Does Austrostipa variabilis Look Like?

This grass is a perennial plant. This means it lives for more than two years. It grows in clumps, forming a tufted bunchgrass. It can be from 15 to 80 centimeters (about 6 to 31 inches) tall. Its flowers can be green or purple.

Where Can You Find This Grass?

Austrostipa variabilis is native to southern Australia. It is very common in the southwestern part of Western Australia. You can also find it further east, even past Adelaide, South Australia. It also grows naturally in South Africa.

This grass can grow in many different places. It lives in sand dunes and on granite rocks. It can also grow in many different types of soil.

How Did This Grass Get Its Name?

Scientists give every living thing a special name. This helps everyone know exactly which plant or animal they are talking about. The first time this grass was collected was in the early 1800s. A botanist named James Drummond found it near the Swan River in Australia.

However, the grass was not officially named until 1921. A scientist named Dorothy Kate Hughes gave it the name Stipa variabilis. Later, in 1996, scientists decided that Australian Stipa grasses were special. They created a new group, or genus, called Austrostipa. So, this grass was moved into the new group and became Austrostipa variabilis.