Very like E. esculenta, but distinguished by the smaller spikelets (2.5–3.1 mm long), the fertile lemma and palea which remain pale green or whitish at maturity, and (less reliably) the panicle branches which may be devoid of bristles subtending the spikelets. Flowers mainly Feb.–Mar.
Wim, VRiv, GipP, Gold. Also naturalised in WA, Qld, NSW, Tas. Known in Victoria from a few recent roadside gatherings and possibly not truly naturalised in this State.
Apparently derived via cultivation from Echinochloa colona, occasionally included in bird-seed mixtures. Most former records attributed to E. frumentacea are referable to the commoner E. esculenta. The distinctions between the two are not always clear and intermediates have been recorded in other States.
Source:
Walsh, N.G. (1994). Poaceae. In: Walsh, N.G.; Entwisle, T.J., Flora of Victoria Vol. 2, Ferns and Allied Plants, Conifers and Monocotyledons, pp. 356–627. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
