About Zoysia macrantha Desv.
Zoysia macrantha, commonly known as prickly couch, is a species of creeping perennial grass. It grows in habitats near coastal dunes and inland salt marshes in Eastern Australia. Two subspecies are currently recognized: Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha and Zoysia macrantha subsp. walshii. The distributions of the two subspecies partially overlap. Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha ranges from Byfield in Central Queensland south to Eastern and South Victoria. Zoysia macrantha subsp. walshii occurs from Eastern Victoria to Eastern South Australia, and also in Tasmania. Zoysia macrantha subsp. macrantha grows in coastal foredunes and other littoral areas, including mangrove creeks, salt marshes, tidal estuaries, rocky headlands, and lagoons. During erosion events, its rhizomes may become buried at depths up to 20 centimeters, and can still recover and regrow after burial. It is very commonly found growing behind Spinifex sericeus, alongside species that assist in dune stabilization: Casaurina equisetifolia, Pandanus tectorius, Banksia integrifolia, livistona australis, Ipomoea pes-caprae, scaevola calendulacea, and Carpobrotus glaucescens. It is also frequently found growing with Sporobolus virginicus and Paspalum vaginatum.
