Stipagrostis ciliata var. capensis

Stipagrostis ciliata var. capensis, commonly known as large bushman grass, in Afrikaans as langbeenboesmangras (long leg bushman grass) and previously scientifically as Aristida ciliata, is a tufted grass reaching heights around 1 m.

The plant is perennial or annual, depending on conditions, particularly moisture. Ecologically the plant is a decreaser. This is a palatable and valued fodder grass, well adapted to arid conditions and high in nutritional value.

The species distribution is widespread, the plants common in some arid parts of South Africa, particularly in the provinces Northern Cape, Western Cape, Eastern Cape, North West and Free State. The plant is also found in southern Africa, particularly Namibia and Botswana. The photo was taken north of Springbok.

The habitat is sandy and gravelly soils in savanna, Nama Karoo and succulent Karoo vegetation regions, typical of some riverbeds. This variety is not considered to be threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Van Oudtshoorn, et al, 1991; iNaturalist; www.namibian.org; http://redlist.sanbi.org).