About Heteropogon triticeus (R.Br.) Stapf ex Craib
Heteropogon triticeus (R.Br.) Stapf ex Craib, commonly known as giant spear grass, is a tropical perennial tussock grass. Its native range covers Tropical and Temperate Asia, Malesia, and Northern and Eastern Australia. This grass grows to over 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall, and frequent burning benefits it in most environments. It produces characteristic dark seeds that have one long awn at one end and a sharp spike at the opposite end. When dry, the awn twists, and it straightens when moist; combined with the sharp spike, this structure allows the seed to drill itself into the soil. Giant spear grass is closely related to the more widespread black spear grass, and the two species are commonly found growing together in Northern Australia. Indigenous Australian communities in the Northern Territory sometimes suck this plant to obtain its sweet liquid.
