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cynodon

Scientific Name: Cynodon bradleyi

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Cynodon: A Versatile Grass

The genus Cynodon encompasses several species within the grass family, known for their adaptability and widespread distribution.

Considerations for Pets

  • While most Cynodon dactylon types are considered non-toxic, there have been occasional reports of HCN (hydrogen cyanide) poisoning.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Cynodon
  • Species: Cynodon dactylon
  • Common Names: Bermuda grass, Dhoob, Bahama grass, devil's grass, couch grass, Indian Doab, dog's tooth grass

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cynodon
  • Family: Poaceae (grass family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Capriola dactylon (L.) Kuntze
    • Cynodon dactylon var. dactylon
    • Cynodon aristiglumis Caro &amp Snchez
    • Cynodon csii A. Camus
    • Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. var. densus Hurcombe
    • Cynodon glabratus Steud.
    • Cynodon polevansii Stent
    • Digitaria stolonifera Schrad.
    • Panicum dactylon

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cynodon species are native to warm temperate to tropical regions of the Old World.
  • Cynodon dactylon is very widely distributed throughout the world.
  • Likely originated in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • Found in various habitats, including deserts, lawns, eroding fore-dunes, and short grassland by the sea.

Ecological Role

  • Cynodon transvaalensis is considered an invasive common weed in tropical regions.
  • Cynodon dactylon can also be an invasive weed.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cynodon dactylon is a warm-season, prostrate, perennial grass.
  • Spreads by scaly rhizomes and flat stolons to form a dense, resilient turf.
  • Leaves are gray-green.
  • Culms (stems) are geniculately ascending, 8-40 cm long and 0.5-1 mm in diameter.
  • Ligule is present.
  • Grows to 0.3 m (1ft) in height and 0.5 m (1ft 8in) in spread at a medium rate.
  • The Cynodon genus often has two or three leaves at each node along the runners.

Quirky Facts

  • According to Indian Medicinal Plants, Cynodon dactylon (Durva Grass) is extensively used in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine.

Additional Information

  • The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, provides further information on Cynodon in the World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
  • More information on Cynodon dactylon can be found on Wikimedia Commons.
  • ARKive offers photos and facts about the Cynodon genus.
  • Fire Effects Information System, Online. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station, Fire Sciences provides additional details.
  • See Cynodon dactylon at Tropicos "Subordinate Taxa" for subspecies and varieties.