What is "astrebla"

Astrebla is a small genus of xerophytic (desert-loving) grasses found only in Australia They are the dominant grass across much of the continent. They are commonly known as Mitchell grass after Scottish explorer, Thomas Mitchell (1792 – 1855), who first collected a specimen near Bourke in New South Wales.

Mitchell grasses grow on clay soils, mainly between a lower limit of 200 mm average annual rainfall, and an upper limit of 600 mm. They can be found growing in depressions in lower rainfall areas, where the water concentrates following rains e.g. in Sturt's Stony Desert. Mitchell grasses are deep rooted and become dormant during drought, allowing them to survive extended periods without rainfall.

1. Astrebla elymoides - hoop Mitchell grass, the second most common species
2. Astrebla lappacea - curly Mitchell grass, the most common species
3. Astrebla pectinata - barley Mitchell grass, the most drought tolerant species
4. Astrebla squarrosa - bull Mitchell grass, the most flood tolerant species