Silky Kangaroo Grass

Themeda villosa

Native to:
Andaman Is., Bangladesh, Borneo, Cambodia, China, Hainan, India, Jawa, Laos, Lesser Sunda Is., Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Philippines, Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Sumatera, Thailand, Vietnam

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Poaceae
Genus:
Themeda
Species:
Themeda villosa
USDA Symbol:
THVI2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
150 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
aug,sep,oct,nov
Bloom Colors:
brown, purple

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
bronze, red
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts vigorously from base after fire; adapted to fire-prone grassland ecosystems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
well-drained, sandy or loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to grasslands and open areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
None required
Germination Time:
14–28 days
Notes:
Germinates readily with warmth and moisture; light may improve germination rates.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI