Kikuyugrass
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(Cenchrus clandestinus)
Kikuyugrass (Cenchrus clandestinus)
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Dave Richardson
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Dave Richardson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dave Richardson | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Dave Richardson | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-06-15T13:06:02Z |
Summary
Cenchrus clandestinus, commonly known as Kikuyugrass, is an evergreen perennial grass originating from the tropical grasslands and open woodlands of East Africa. It is a vigorous grower, forming dense mats that can reach 6 inches (15 cm) in height. Kikuyugrass is characterized by its bright green, slightly hairy leaves and its ability to spread rapidly through both stolons and rhizomes. While it does not produce showy flowers, it is valued for its ability to quickly cover ground and its moderate drought tolerance.
Despite its invasive potential, Kikuyugrass is appreciated for its low maintenance as a turf grass in regions with mild climates, such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Southern California. It is also used for erosion control and as pasture for livestock due to its high nutritional value for grazing animals. In gardens, it requires full sun exposure and can thrive with low to medium water input, adapting well to a variety of soil conditions with medium to fast drainage. However, its aggressive growth can make it difficult to control, and it may outcompete native vegetation. Kikuyugrass has been found to become invasive in Australia and New Zealand, forming dense mats that suppress native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Despite its invasive potential, Kikuyugrass is appreciated for its low maintenance as a turf grass in regions with mild climates, such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Southern California. It is also used for erosion control and as pasture for livestock due to its high nutritional value for grazing animals. In gardens, it requires full sun exposure and can thrive with low to medium water input, adapting well to a variety of soil conditions with medium to fast drainage. However, its aggressive growth can make it difficult to control, and it may outcompete native vegetation. Kikuyugrass has been found to become invasive in Australia and New Zealand, forming dense mats that suppress native vegetation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 0.3-1 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Groundcover
Natural Habitat
Originating from the tropical grasslands and open woodlands of East Africa
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Pennisetum clandestinum, Cenchrus clandestinus, Kikuyuochloa clandestina, Pennisetum inclusum, Kikuyuochloa cladestina, Pennisetum longistylum subsp. clandestinum, Pennisetum longistylum var. clandestinum
GBIF Accepted Name: Cenchrus clandestinus (Hochst. ex Chiov.) Morrone