Scientific name: Cenchrus echinatus L.

Common name: Mossman River grass

Family: Poaceae

Origin:

Native to central America and southern USA.

Habit:

an annual grass usually growing to about 60 cm in height, but occasionally reaching 90 cm.

Habitat:

A weed of footpaths, disturbed sites, pastures and cultivation.

General description:

Stems and leaves:

The stems (culms) are often branched and always have hairless joints (nodes). The leaf sheath is usually hairless, but occasionally hairs are present. The leaf blades, which are 5-25 x 0.3-1.2 cm in size, usually have some hairs present. The ligule consists of a line of hairs (ie. a ciliated rim).

Flowers and fruit:

The inflorescence is spike-like in appearance, but is actually a reduced panicle (up to 10 cm in length). This inflorescence consists of many burr-like structures (4-10 mm in size), each having many sharp spines. These 'burrs' contain a cluster of two or three flower spikelets, and each spikelet usually produces a single seed. The 'burrs' are a reddish-green colour when young but turn straw-coloured or brown as they mature. They usually detach from the stem entire and readily attach to animal hides and clothing.

Distinguishing characteristics:

An annual grass which produces relatively large spiny 'burrs' (up to 10 mm in size) which readily attach to clothing and animal hides.

Noxious status:

Declared in Western Australia and the Northern Territory.

Sources:

Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.

Weeds Australia. https://www.weeds.org.au. National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee, 2001, Launceston, Tasmania.