Poaceae

Perianth segments 0–3, usually 2; flowers grouped into a characteristic spikelet (Fig. 48) Poaceae
Spikelets unisexual, male and female markedly different and in different inflorescences; plants monoecious or dioecious
Female flowers not arranged in a globular head
Female flowers not surrounded by a bony utricle. Plants dioecious
Leaves crowded near the base of the plant, at least 1 m long. Inflorescence up to 1 m long, drooping Cortaderia
Inflorescence white or purplish, slightly exceeding the basal leaves. Leaf blades dull green, ± folded at the base, arching away from the stem and thus drooping well above the sheath. Large, tussocky plant up to 4 m high. Naturalized in wetter disturbed situations, particularly in urban bushland. Fl. summer–autumn. Pampas Grass Cortaderia selloana
Inflorescence always pinkish when young, fading to white, usually well exceeding the basal leaves. Leaf blades bright green, flat, drooping from immediately above the sheath. Only female plants found. Large, tussocky plant up to 4.5 m high. Naturalized in wetter disturbed situations, particularly in urban bushland. Fl. summer–autumn. Pink Pampas Grass Cortaderia jubata