Romulea rosea
IRIDACEAE
Guildford Grass
Originated in South Africa.
Found throughout Australia.
5 to 10 grass like leaves to shin height.
5 petals pink greenish underneath, 2 to 3cm across that initially open close to the ground & then the stalks will elongate to lift them into the air. Aug to Nov.
Above ground vegetation dies back in summer leaving underground corms that can withstand hot dry summers.
Produces abundant seeds that are dispersed by animals & insects that will often grow well ahead of desirable species, using up available moisture & nutrients thereby reducing productivity of pasture & crops.
No nutritional value to animals as it will remain undigested in the gut, if large amounts are eaten it can obstruct the bowel & cause death.
Encourage competitive desirable species as Romulea prefers no completion. Regular slashing or mowing before the plant has set seed, to no higher than 1cm. Herbicide treatment on the advice of your herbicide retailer at the appropriate stage of corm development is crucial to kill off the corm.