Mitchell grass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mitchell grass |
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| Astrebla pectinata | |
Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Chloridoideae |
| Tribe: | Cynodonteae |
| Subtribe: | Eleusininae |
| Genus: | Astrebla F.Muell. |
| Type species | |
| Astrebla pectinata |
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Mitchell grass is a small group of tough grasses found only in Australia. These grasses are special because they are xerophytic, meaning they are perfectly adapted to survive in places with very little water. They are the main type of grass across large areas of Australia. People call them Mitchell grass after a Scottish explorer, Thomas Mitchell (1792 – 1855). He was the first to collect a sample of this grass near Bourke in New South Wales.
What is Mitchell Grass?
Mitchell grass belongs to a genus called Astrebla. These grasses are very important for the environment in Australia. They can grow up to one metre high and often grow in clumps. These clumps provide a safe home and shelter for many small animals, including different types of mammals.
Where Does Mitchell Grass Grow?
Mitchell grasses mainly grow on clay soils. They are found in areas that get between 200 mm and 600 mm of rain each year. You can even find them in very dry places like Sturt's Stony Desert. In these super dry areas, they grow in low spots where rainwater collects after a storm.
Mitchell grasses have very deep roots. This helps them find water far underground. They can also become dormant during long dry periods. This means they stop growing and save their energy. This special ability allows them to survive for a long time without any rainfall.
Types of Mitchell Grass
There are a few different kinds of Mitchell grass. Each type has its own special features:
- Astrebla elymoides - This is known as hoop Mitchell grass. It's the second most common type you'll find.
- Astrebla lappacea - This one is called curly Mitchell grass. It's the most common type of Mitchell grass.
- Astrebla pectinata - This is the barley Mitchell grass. It's the best at surviving droughts, meaning it can handle very long dry spells.
- Astrebla squarrosa - This type is known as bull Mitchell grass. It's the best at surviving floods, so it can handle lots of water.
