Scientific name: Digitaria didactyla Willd. KoelerSynonyms: Panicum didactylum (Willd.) Kinth. P. sanguinale L. var. brevispicatum MaidenCommon names: Queensland blue couch, blue couchFamily: PoaceaeOrigin:Native to Mascarene Island, widespread in the tropics Habit:Perennial grass forming long runners, growing up 40 cm tall Habitat:Used as a lawn-grass in some areas, it can become a weed where there are no heavy frosts and moisture is adequate. General description:Stems and leavesPlants develop long runners, with roots at the nodes. Stems are branched or unbranched. Nodes are hairless. Appendages at the base of the leaf blade (ligules) are 1 mm long and membranous, leaf sheaths have dense or sparse long hairs which sometimes are lost. Leaf blades are linear, narrowing to the tip, 1-9 x 0.1-0.3 cm. (Cultivated plants have broader leaves). Flowers and fruitInflorescences are usually 2 or 3 (rarely 4) spikes 2-7 cm long, splaying apart in a finger-like fashion at the top of an erect stalk. Distinguishing characteristics:Perennial grass with long runners and an inflorescence with 2 or 3 spikes on an erect stalk. Noxious status:Not noxious. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 3. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. |