Scientific name: Melinis repens (Willd.) ZizkaSynonyms: Sacharum repens Willd.; Tricholaena teneriffae auct. Non (L.f.) Link F.M. Bailey; Rynchelytrum repens (Willd.) C.E. HubbardCommon name: Red Natal grassFamily: PoaceaeOrigin:Native of South America. Habit:Annual or perennial grass forming open tussocks with erect slender stems, growing to 1 m. Habitat:Weed of untended areas, often found on footpaths, along railways and on roadsides. General description:Stems and leaves:Leaves are linear and can be either folded or flat 5-30 × 0.2-1 cm. Both the sheath and the blade of the leaf can be either hairless or hairy. There is a membranous appendage (ligule) at the junction of the leaf sheath and leaf blade which is 2 mm long. Flowers and fruit:The inflorescence is branched with conspicuously hairy spikelets and seed heads. The hairs are silky and vary in colour from silver to pink or purple. Distinguishing characteristics:Annual or perennial grass forming open tussocks with erect stems to 1 m. The inflorescence is distinctive with silky hairs which range in colour from silver to pink or purple. 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. Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney. |