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Paspalum quadrifarium

Paspalum quadrifariumPaspalum quadrifarium Lam.

Family name: Poaceae
Common name: Tussock paspalum
Category: proposed 1a NEMBA

Description
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.

 
Distribution
Native to Uruguay, Argentina and Southern Brazil, declared as a noxious weed in Australia, Southeastern United States and coastal Italy.

History in South Africa
Tussock paspalum was probably introduced in South Africa as an ornamental and horticultural grass. It has been recorded in KwaZulu-Natal, from the Melmoth area along N2 between Kokstad and Port Shepstone and along R56 in Richmond and Pietermaritzburg.

How it spreads
Tussock paspalum spreads rapidly through rhizomes and seeds.

Environmental and economic impact
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.

How to eradicate
Tussock paspalum is currently controlled by uprooting. There are no herbicides registered for this species in South Africa.

What can you do to help?
Report  sightings of these plants to the Early Detection and Rapid Response Programme (EDRR) at SANBI. We will need to know its locality (the exact locality, supply any landmarks or GPS information if possible).

Contact person
Kanyisa Jama
Email address: alienplants@sanbi.org.za
Tel: 0217998762

References

  •  Riefner, R.E. et al.2010. Paspalum pubiflorum and Paspalum quadrifarium (Poaceae) new to California, with a key and notes on invasive species. Journal of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas 4: 761-770. Available on http://www2.brit.org/fileadmin/Publications/JbotResInstTexas_42/761-770_Riefner_Paspalum_JBRIT_4_2__25.pdf
  • Invasive species in South Africa. (2010). Paspalum quadrifarium. Working for water nursery partnership programme. South Africa. Available on http://invasives.org.za/flora-listed-invasives/paspalum-quadrifarium.html
  •  USDA, NRCS. 2010. The plants database. National Plant Data Centre. Available on http://www.invasive.org/browse/subinfo.cfm?=14214
  •  South African Plant Invaders Atlas. 2010. SAPIA News no. 7. ARC-Plant Protection Research Institute. Available on http://www.dargieconservancy.org.za/documents/sapia07.pdf

See more on  invasive alien plants and their categories

Prepared by Buhle Mthenbu
October 2011

Thanks to Francois de Wet for image.

Last updated on 10 January 2012