It looks like a form of "pit pit" which is a New Guinean food plant - if so it is free seeding, but not too agressively so, so keep a close eye on it or remove seed stalks if you dont want extra. I am unsure of the botanical name. I have just read that there are two types of pit pit used in New Guinea, one for thatching and an edible one. One is a non sweet saccharum (sugar cane) and the one you have is probably a setaria. It makes an good pot plant but does get tatty and needs to be cut down occasionally to renew the clump-hope this helps Robyn

Thanks Robyn,do you know the botanical name?

It could be Setaria palmifolia var. 'rubra'
Cheers,
Dee.

Thanks Dee,
I think you are correct,have you seen this plant before?

Yes, I have Richard. I didn't know the name though, until I looked it up for you. A friend of mine has it but I can't recall if it is 'rubra' with the red stems. Either way, I absolutely love it and am going to drop some hints today when I see her, that I wouldn't mind a piece.
Cheers,
Dee.

I've got the green stemmed version - it has a clump of small yellow flowers at the base of the stems.

I use it to line hanging baskets

Paradisi,you have curculigo,which looks similar but is not a grass.

Went to see my friend today and guess what!! Her Setaria has DIED! I left my run a bit late...oh well. I think I might take a trip to the nursery where she originally bought it and see if they have any. I just love the red stemmed form and have to have it!.
Cheers,
Dee.

Is it easy to find in nurseries down there?

I don't know Richard. I guess I am about to find out!! Why, are you looking to buy some yourself? I assumed the photo was your own plant.
Cheers,
Dee.

Richard, I have just looked up Nick Romanowskis book on Grasses and it doesnt match the setaria palmifolia shown there, I also think that s. p. has fine irritant hairs all over the leaves as well as the pale mid rib which shows in the books pic. Does your plant have these hairs? They are quite visible if you hold a leaf up to a light source. Unfortunately the plant I purchased as pit pit which seems to be the same as your photo does not have a label and the nursery it came from closed down. You might be able to find it at Northey St City Farm and get the name from one of the gardeners. Robyn.

Robyn,
I am convinced that it is Setaria,it does have fine hairs.
Dee,
The plant pictured is mine,i plan to grow it on in pots before planting out.

Thanks to both of you for your help.