Scientific name: Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.Synonyms: Cynosurus indicus L.; Eleusine indica var. monostachya F.M. BaileyCommon name:Crowsfoot grassFamily: PoaceaeOrigin:Origin unknown, found as a weed in all tropical regions. Habit:Annual tufted grass, with tough leaves and ascending and prostrate stems. Flowering stems reaching 30-60 cm in height. Habitat:Weed of tended areas, often grows where lawns and garden beds have been cleared. Found frequently as a weed of pastures and crop seeds. General description:Stems and leavesStems are either erect or prostrate. Leaf sheaths are flattened with an appendage at the base of the leaf blade (ligule) which is a short membrane cut off bluntly at the edges, 0.5-1 mm long. The leaf blades are linear, with a blunt tip 3-35 x 0.3-0.8 cm. Margins are rough to the touch, the rest of the leaf is hairless. Flowers and fruitInflorescences are borne on erect stalks 30-60 cm long, with 1-15 spikes 3.5-15.5 cm long radiating outwards, like a windmill (ie. digitate or sub-digitate). Spikelets are arranged in a loosely overlapping manner. Papery glumes are left behind on the stalks once the mature seeds have dropped off. Seeds are reddish brown, enclosed within pale bracts. Distinguishing characteristics:Grass with a digitate or almost digitate inflorescence made up of several spikes and a short, membranous ligule. 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. Friend, E. (1983). Queensland Weed Seeds. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. |