Botanical name

Tenaxia stricta

Family

Poaceae

Common Name

Cape Wire Grass

Synonym (old name)

Merxmuellera stricta
Tenaxia stricta
Tenaxia stricta
Tenaxia stricta
Tenaxia stricta

Description

Attractive, densely tufted perennial, bright green when fresh. Leaves needle-like, 10-45cm x 1mm wide; ligule is a long fringe of hairs. Inflorescence is a loose contracted panicle, 10-20cm long, drooping; spikelets up to 23mm including fine awns; lemma backs have tufts of white hairs near the base.

Can form avenues along paths especially after fire.

Habitat

Common in fynbos and renosterveld in a variety of habitats

Flower Date

October to November