Fountain grass

Fountain grass

Pennisetum setaceum (Poaceae)

Common Name:

Fountain grass

Scientific Name:

Pennisetum setaceum (Poaceae)


Alternative common names:

Pronkgras (Afrikaans)

Description:

A sparsely branching, tussock-forming perennial grass with feathery, spike-like inflorescences. The bristles are long and detach with the spikelets. The leaves are up to 40cm long and are not rigid or ending with sharp points. Inflorescence is 10-25cm long and is usually purple or rose-coloured. This widespread grass invades roadsides and disturbed sites.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North Africa

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1b

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu Natal and Gauteng

How does it spread?

Spreads by rhizomes and seed

Why is it a problem?

Forms stands along road verges and in other disturbed sites with the potential to spread into adjacent natural veld

What does it look like?

General description: A tussock-forming perennial grass with feathery, spike-like inflorescences. The bristles are long and detach with the spikelets.
Flowers: The inflorescence is about 100-250mm long and rose or purple-coloured.
Fruit/Seeds: Small seeds

Does the plant have any uses?

Ornament, mine dump stabilisation

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