Dichelachne rara
Dichelachne rara
Synonyms: Dichelachne novoguineensis, Muhlenbergia novoguineensis, Vilfa rara, Dichelachne micrantha var. rara, Muhlenbergia rara, Muhlenbergia rara var. macrostachya, Agrostis rara
Botanical Description
Dichelachne rara (R.Br.) Vickery (Poaceae) is a slender tufted perennial bunchgrass endemic to eastern Australia, occurring on rocky slopes and open eucalypt woodland in New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory, and Tasmania. Culms are erect to ascending, glabrous, and reach 30–80 cm tall, arising from a compact basal tuft. Leaves are mostly basal with narrow, inrolled to flat blades 5–20 cm long and 1–2 mm wide, and membranous ligules. The inflorescence is a slender, spike-like contracted panicle 5–15 cm long with appressed branches bearing crowded one-flowered spikelets 4–6 mm long. Each spikelet bears acuminate glumes about as long as the floret and a lemma with a distinctive geniculate awn 12–25 mm long that becomes conspicuously twisted below the bend. It flowers in late spring and summer and is grazed casually by livestock but has no recorded medicinal use.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.