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golden false beardgrass

Scientific Name: Chrysopogon aciculatus

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Golden False Beardgrass (Chrysopogon aciculatus)

Chrysopogon aciculatus, commonly known as golden false beardgrass, is a perennial grass recognized for its spreading growth habit. It is also known by the names lovegrass and Mackie's pest.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant produces a sharp, bearded barb, up to 1/4 inch long, covered with golden brown hairs.
  • It's sometimes referred to as Mackie's pest, which implies it can be a nuisance.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chrysopogon aciculatus (Retz.) Trin.
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Rhaphis zizanioides var. aciculatus (Retz.) Roberty
    • Andropogon aciculatus Retz

Common Names

  • Golden False Beardgrass
  • Golden Beardgrass
  • Lovegrass
  • Mackie's Pest
  • Inifuk
  • Pilipiliula
  • Matapekepeke
  • Seed grass

Distribution and Habitat

  • Chrysopogon aciculatus is found in Asia, Africa, and the United States.
  • It is commonly found on abandoned cultivations and poorly drained soils.
  • Observed in Hawaii (Kanounou Pt, Maui).
  • It is considered a tropical weed.

Ecological Role

  • Considered a noxious weed.
  • It is rhizomatous or stoloniferous, meaning it spreads via underground stems (rhizomes) or above-ground stems that root at the nodes (stolons).

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a rhizomatous or stoloniferous, spreading perennial.
  • Culms (stems) are often erect, 15-25 cm tall, geniculate (bent like a knee), branching and always rooting at the nodes.
  • Spikelets are paired, with a needle-like callus at the base, 3-10 mm long, bearing golden hairs.

Quirky Facts

  • It was the first discovery of Chrysopogon aciculatus in the United States.
  • In some regions, it is known as "lovegrass," while it's also called "Mackie's pest," highlighting contrasting perceptions of the plant.

Further Resources

  • http://www.invasive.org/browse/subject.cfm?sub=4570.s
  • CABI (potentially CABI Compendium)