SafePlants

Brachiaria eruciformis - Sweet Signal Grass

Brachiaria eruciformis, commonly known as Sweet Signal Grass, is a species with notable presence in various regions. This page provides information regarding its taxonomy, distribution, and other relevant details.

Considerations for Pets

• As a grass, Brachiaria eruciformis may be treated with herbicides or pesticides if growing in managed lawns or agricultural settings.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Brachiaria eruciformis (Sm.) Griseb.
• Common Names: Sweet Signal Grass, Sweet Summer Grass
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonyms: Moorochloa eruciformis (Sm.) Veldkamp (though listed as "not accepted - other" in some databases)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Texas and other states (specific states not listed).
• Found in the subtropics and tropics of Queensland, where it is referred to as Sweet Summer Grass.

Ecological Role

• In some areas, it is considered a major weed.

Morphological Characteristics

• Plants are mat-forming.
• Culms (stems) are (10)19-60 cm long, decumbent (lying along the ground) and rooting at the lower nodes before ascending, sometimes branching from these nodes.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Can be controlled with herbicides such as clomazone in sweet potato crops.
• Mentioned in the context of weed control in various crops, suggesting competition with desired plants.

Further Information

• Discover Life offers information on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Brachiaria eruciformis.
• PIER (Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk) provides a profile for Moorochloa eruciformis, including habitat/ecology, propagation, and distribution information.
• Hitchcock, A.S. (rev. A. Chase). 1950. Manual of the grasses of the United States. Washington, DC.
• Garden Guides provide facts on Signalgrass