Themeda triandra is a species of C4 perennial tussock-forming grass widespread in Africa, Australia, Asia and the Pacific.

As of 2021[update] there is a large government-funded project underway to investigate the possibility of growing kangaroo grass commercially in Australia for use as a regular food source for humans.

[9] The specific epithet (triandra) is the feminine of the Botanical Latin adjective triandrus, meaning "with three stamens",[10] based on the Greek-derived combining forms tri-, three, and -andrus, male.

It is a significant species in temperate grasslands in Australia, a habitat considered to be endangered or threatened in various parts of the country.

It has also been found to be useful in treating horses for obesity, insulin resistance, and foot inflammation, because it is lower in carbohydrates such as sugar, starch, and fructans than introduced grasses.

[6] Before the colonisation of Australia, kangaroo grass used to be harvested by Aboriginal Australians, who used the leaves and stems for making string, the basis for fishing nets, as well as for food.

As of 2021[update], a four-year research project[18] supported by the Australian Government[19] is being undertaken by researcher Dylan Male, at La Trobe University in collaboration with the Dja Dja Wurrung Aboriginal Clans Corporation of central Victoria, investigating the possibility of developing it as a food crop.

The plant has several advantages over currently farmed grains:[18] However, at present the commercial viability of kangaroo grass is limited by low seed yields and poor knowledge of broadacre crop management.

[21] The project will draw heavily on the knowledge of the traditional owners of the land, and there will be ongoing communication with farmers and Landcare Australia groups.

[19] The project follows a smaller, crowdfunded project undertaken in 2017 by writer Bruce Pascoe on his own property in Gipsy Point, eastern Victoria, managed by volunteers, to develop several Indigenous Australian food crops, including murnong (yam daisy), kangaroo grass and native raspberries.