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Appendix A (Part II.)
Synopsis of Tabular Circular returned, with Information and Observations on sundry Indigenous Grasses named therein, and also on certain others not mentioned in the Circular. By T. Kirk, F.L.S., Auckland.
Gymnostichum gracile.—Found at Kaipara, etc., at sea-level; flowers in November; apparently local, and in comparatively small quantity.
* Hierochloe redolens. Tall sweet scented Holy-grass.—Found at sea-level on swampy ground; is useful as a spring and summer grass; not eaten when better kinds can be had.
* Panicum imbecille.—Found at sea-level to 1,500 feet in woodlands; continuously useful; like the last, not eaten when better kinds can be had.
* Echinopogon ovatus.—Found in waste lands and neglected cultivations; is useful in spring to autumn; flourishes in disturbed soil; useless for cattle.
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* Dichelachne crinita.—Found in waste lands and neglected cultivations; useful in spring and autumn; flourishes in disturbed soil; a good grass for waste places, but inferior to many others.
Agrostis canina. Brown Bent grass.—Prefers moist soil; useful in summer and autumn; is affected by drought; a valuable grass for stock, and is increasing; only found in the Auckland district as a cultivated plant.
* Agrostis œmula.—Common at sea-level to 2,000 feet; flowers October to January; useful in spring and summer; affected by drought; is a serviceable grass, but less valuable than A. canina.
* Agrostis quadriseta.—Common at sea-level to 1,500 feet on rich land; flowers November to February; useful in spring and summer; affected by drought; is a serviceable grass, but also less valuable than A. canina, and produces less herbage.
Danthonia Cunninghamii. Snow-grass.—A local grass, found at sea-level to 1,200 feet on moist land; affected by drought.
* Danthonia semi-annularis.—Abundant at sea-level to 2,000 feet; flowers continuously, and prefers disturbed soil; is a valuable grass, and is increasing. The variety formerly known as D. cingula, is a useful grass, and appears to deserve the attention of the cultivator.
Trisetum antarticum. Oat-grass.—A local grass, widely distributed; found from sea-level to 1,500 feet in dry soil; flowers October to January; useful in spring and summer; is affected by drought; a valuable grass.
Poa breviglumis.—Found in many localities at sea-level, on sandy soil; flowers October to January; useful spring to autumn; resists drought; is a valuable grass; ought to be generally cultivated on sandy soils.
Poa anceps. Soft Meadow grass.—Abundant from sea-level to 2,000 feet; found on moist soil; flowers November to February; useful spring to autumn; resists drought; a valuable grass, but not equal to P. pratensis.
Poa australis. Soft Meadow grass.—A local grass; highly nutritious; ought to be generally cultivated.
Triticum multiflorum.
" scabrum. Rough wheat grass.
Found at sea-level; flower from October to January: useful in spring and summer; useful grasses; increasing slowly.
The above grasses are contained in the list circulated by the Committee. The following are not named therein:—
Microlœna stipoides, Br.—Is found from North Cape to Upper Waikato, at low elevations; a highly valuable grass, much and greedily sought after by sheep, horses, and cattle; one of the most valuable we have; is becoming mixed up with cultivated grasses, and is increasing; resists drought, but would probably not resist frost.
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Microlœna avenacea, Br.—A coarse grass, often eaten by cattle, and valuable for sowing in open forests, etc.
Isachne australis, Br.—One of the best grasses for mainlands and swamps; greedily eaten by horses, cattle, and sheep; produces a large yield of slender but nutritious herbage, but would probably not resist frost; found from North Cape to Upper Waikato; a valuable grass from spring to autumn.
Zoysia pungens, Willd.—A low growing grass, rarely more than 2 to 3 inches high, producing a compact sward of short but succulent and nutritious herbage; chiefly on land or mud by the sea. Abundant in central and upper Waikato, where it doubtless marks the site of an ancient sea-basin. Closely cropped by sheep, horses, and cattle. From Spirits Bay to Upper Waikato, and probably further south.*
Sporobolus elongatus, Br.—A grass of remarkable toughness and hardiness of endurance. In Lower Waikato and other places it forms extensive pastures, and is kept as closely cropped by cattle as if frequently mown; still it is not a favourite grass where other kinds can be had. From North Cape to Upper Waikato and Lake Taupo; and, like some other plants, is increasing from the spread of agricultural operations.
Agrostis Billardieri, Br.—A rather coarse grass; not uncommon on poor soils, but not much eaten by cattle.
[Footnote] * See “Handbook N. Z. Flora.”