Harpochloa falx or eyelash grass

Harpochloa falx is a summer rainfall perennial grass that grows in dense tussocks to a height of well over 50 cm. The common name of caterpillar grass comes from the attractive shape of the flower. The inflorescence is a striking one-sided spike that often bends into a mild curve or sickle shape.

Individual spikelets hang close together from the central spike with light and dark pigmentation on the floral components, creating the looks that caused the plant also to be called eyelash grass.

This grass is very palatable and provides good grazing whilst young, but becomes hard later in the season. Florists also use this grass in flower arrangements (www.plantzafrica; www.davesgarden.com).