Tussock paspalum

Tussock paspalum

Paspalum quadrifarium

Common Name:

Tussock paspalum

Scientific Name:

Paspalum quadrifarium


Alternative common names:

Blue grass, Giant paspalum, Golden-top grass, and Paspalum

Description:

Tussock paspalum is a coarse perennial grass, 2 m high, growing in large bluish-green bunches. Rhizome short, stem compact. Leaves with longitudinal prominence on the back, 15-40 cm long and 5-8 cm wide. Flowers in clusters of 40, rust coloured, 12-30 cm long. Flowers and seeds produced twice a year.

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Uruguay, Argentina and Southern Brazil

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

NEMBA Category 1a.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

KwaZulu Natal

How does it spread?

Spreads rapidly through rhizomes and seeds.

Why is it a problem?

Tussock paspalum is an aggressive grass which forms extremely dense infestations. Rhizomes spread horizontally and send up suckers, which form a large dense clump, thus outcompeting native plants. Invades river banks, lake shores, roadsides, valleys and agricultural plantations.

What does it look like?

Leaves: Leaves with longitudinal prominence on the back, 15-40 cm long and 5-8 cm wide

Flowers: Flowers in clusters of 40, rust coloured, 12-30 cm long.

Fruit/seeds: Seeds produced twice a year.

Does the plant have any uses?

Introduced in South Africa as an ornamental and horticultural grass.

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