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Rhodes grass

Scientific Name: Chloris gayana

Family: Poaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Graminoid

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Rhodes Grass (Chloris gayana)

Rhodes grass, scientifically known as Chloris gayana, is a versatile grass species with significant agricultural and ecological importance.

Considerations for Pets

  • Rhodes grass is often used as pasture and hay, suggesting it could be present in areas accessible to grazing animals and potentially household pets who graze on grass.

Scientific Classification and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chloris gayana Kunth
  • Common Name: Rhodes grass
  • Family: Poaceae (Grass family - although not explicitly stated, it is implied)
  • Synonyms:
    • The text also references different cultivars such as 'Katambora' and 'Callide,' which represent variations within the species.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Africa.
  • Naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
  • Can grow in a variety of habitats.
  • Specifically mentioned regions and countries include:
    • Australia
    • United States (Southern US)
    • South Africa
    • Pakistan
    • New South Wales (Australia)
    • Zimbabwe
    • Nakuru (Kenya)
    • Abu Dhabi

Ecological Role

  • Used for erosion control due to its spreading growth habit.
  • Can be considered a pest weed in Queensland, Australia.
  • Can be used as a soil stabilizer.
  • Can suppress nematodes (some cultivars).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Summer-growing perennial.
  • Stoloniferous, meaning it spreads via runners.
  • Tufted growth habit.
  • Grows up to 1.5 meters tall.
  • Vigorous early growth.
  • Runners rapidly cover the soil surface.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Combines well with Smutsfinger grass.
  • Can be grown with lucerne (Medicago sativa).
  • Susceptible to Rhodes-grass scale (Antonina graminis), a mealybug pest.
  • Can be grown in rotation with soybean (Glycine max) or Siratro.

Additional Information

  • Important forage for pasture and hay.
  • Drought-resistant.
  • Productive, especially when young.
  • Roots can extract water to a depth of 4.25 meters.
  • Typically produces two seed crops per year, maturing 23-25 days after flowering.