Common name: Bristle Brush Grass
Plagiosetum refractum (F.Muell.) Benth. APNI* 
Description: Leafy tufted annual or short-lived perennial to 0.5 m high.
Leaves with ligule a rim with hairs 0.5–1 mm long; blade flat, folded or rolled when dry, to 4 mm wide.
Inflorescence erect, racemose, 9–21 cm long; primary branches reflexed at maturity, bearing 1 or 2 spikelets (rarely 3) and 'involucre' of bristles; secondary branches produced above the first spikelet, 14–28 cm long (including bristles), dividing upwards into fine bristles; bristles antrorsely scabrous. Spikelets 6–7 mm long, florets 2, lower sterile, upper bisexual. Lower glume 4–5 mm long, 5–7-nerved; upper 6–7 mm long. Sterile lemma similar to upper glume, 6–7 mm long, many-nerved; palea usually absent. Bisexual lemma 4–5 mm long, acute, 5-nerved; palea slightly shorter than lemma.
Flowering: in response to rain.
Distribution and occurrence: Grows on sandhills or deep sandy soils in inland areas.
NSW subdivisions: NFWP
Other Australian states: Qld W.A. S.A. N.T.
Text by S. W. L. Jacobs & K. L. McClay
Taxon concept: Flora of NSW 4 (1993)
APNI* Provides a link to the Australian Plant Name Index (hosted by the Australian National Botanic Gardens) for comprehensive bibliographic data
***The AVH map option provides a detailed interactive Australia wide distribution map drawn from collections held by all major Australian herbaria participating in the Australian Virtual Herbarium project.
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