African love grass
| Botanical Name | Eragrostis curvula |
|---|---|
| Family | Poaceae (alt. Gramineae) |
| Origin | Africa |
Identification
A wiry densely-tufted perennial grass that grows to a height of 1.5 m. Hair-like leaves, up to 500 mm long, rough and usually curly at the tips. Bright green to blue green and turning bronze-red after frost. Inflorescence, 100-300 mm long, usually open and branched. Seed heads, loose panicles on long arching stems, with dark olive-purple seeds. African love grass is palatable to stock in spring when it is actively growing. With maturity it becomes unpalatable and will be grazed very little from flowering in early summer through to dormancy in the Autumn.Habitats
African love grass grows in a wide range of habitats from sea-level to 3500 m. It will tolerate fire, drought, frosts and poor acid soils. It does not grow well in wet soils.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
African love grass is a long-lived, fast growing and maturing grass that forms dense stands in open country preventing the growth of other grasses and native species. It rapidly invades bare areas, wasteland and disturbed places.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Seeds are spread by wind, on vehicles, animals and people.Management
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Management |
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| Physical Control |
Isolated plants can be dug out. |
| Disposal |
Dispose of plants at a refuse transfer station or incinerate. |
| Chemical Control |
Spray with Glyphosate 150 ml/10 L water plus an organo-silicone penetrant. Or the grass selective herbicide Haloxyfop (Gallant) 150 ml/10 L water plus 50 ml crop oil. |
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Biological Control |
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| Recommended Approach | |
Further Comment
This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within New Zealand!