Tufted low growing perennial grass to 50 cm or more tall with a creeping rhizome. Leaf rolled in bud. Leaf blade flat, 2-5 mm wide, 2-8 cm long, often curving outwards and drooping, lime-green, each side of midrib with 2 veins. Ligule very short and blunt, membranous, fringed with a few hairs. Sheath round, split. Inflorescence slender nodding panicle. Spikelets 10-30, awns to 2 cm long and rough, green or purplish; year round but mostly late spring to early summer. Glumes less than 1 mm long separated from other floret parts.

Australia and New Zealand

An attractive and widespread species frequently used in revegetation projects. Grows in native grass lawns, fairways and other low maintenance areas. Often solitary or in colonies, grazed by native animals. The cultivars 'Micro L50' and 'Runolaena' are available.

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.