Tufted perennial grass to 1 m or more, often with russet colouring. Leaf folded in bud. Leaf blade flat, light green, older leaves with red-brown tinge and often with crimped edges. Ligule membranous, about 1 mm long, ciliate. Inflorescence mostly 5-25 cm long with sheaths appearing like the lower stem leaves; spring and summer. Involucral spikelet mostly 0.5-1 cm long, male or sterile; bisexual spikelet shiny brown. [T. australis (R. Br.) Stapf]

Australia and New Guinea

A major pasture grass also used extensively in grassland restoration and revegetation projects; its growth habit limits its turf potential.

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.