A tufted, perennial grass to 60cm.

"A valuable drought resistant fodder grass of the drier grasslands and Eucalyptus forests. Flowers all year." (Simon, B.K. & Alfonso, Y. 2011. Ausgrass2)

Bothriochloa ewartiana differs from Bothriochloa bladhii subsp. bladhii in being generally of lower height and having an inflorescence central axis of only 1-2.5cm long. The latter species has an inflorescence central axis of 4-14cm long. B. ewartiana could be used in mine rehabilitation except the seed is rarely available. It's likely that heavy grazing and the invasion of exotic Bothriochloa species may see the taxon disappear from at least some parts of its original range. Individual specimens of B. ewartiana are known to live for as long as thirty years, a relatively long period, however heavy grazing in drought years may produce significant permanent losses. Effects of moderate grazing during drought may be far less detrimental to populations and the persistance of the species has been of value to graziers. Previous work with the taxon including pasture trials do suggest that seed production will be very limited.

We are looking for stands of this grass to harvest from and to assess its potential. Its value is perceived to exist mainly for rehabilitation and conservation purposes.

Simon, B.K. & Alfonso, Y. 2011. Ausgrass2, http.//ausgrass.myspecies.info/, [Accessed on 19th Oct 2019].

http://ausgrass2.myspecies.info/content/bothriochloa-ewartiana

Stanley, T.D. & Ross, E.M. (1989). Flora of South Eastern Queensland, Vol. 3. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Silcock, R.G. et al. Perennial Pastures for Marginal Grazing Country in Southern Queensland. Published, Dec 20, 2014. Queensland Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia

O’Reagain, P.J., and Bushell, J.J. The Wambiana Grazing Trial. Key learnings for sustainable and profitable management in a variable environment. The State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2011.