EXTRA INFO ON GRASSES:

2010 AND 2011:
GRASS:

HERRINGBONE GRASS: Pogonarthria squarrosa

Family: Poaceae
Common names: herringbone grass, sickle grass

A loosely tufted grass with interesting, reddish brown inflorescences, has led to its common name, herringbone or sickle grass.

Description: Erect, perennial grass, growing up to 1.2 m tall. The long, tapering inflorescence is up to 400 mm long, has a firm, straight, central axis with numerous short, usually upward-curving branches ( hence the name herringbone); the spikelets are arranged all along the branches on the lower side. Spikelets are elliptic to linear, up to 8 mm long, with numerous sharply pointed, green florets, this contrast with the red to reddish brown glumes. Flowering time is from November to May.

Distribution and Habitat : this grass is widespread in South Africa, growing in well-drained and especially sandy soils. It is common in disturbed places such as roadsides and old cultivated lands.

Derivation of name and historical aspects: The meaning of the genus name Pogonarthria comes from the Greek pogon meaning beard, and arthron, a joint and probably refers to the beaded joints of the rhachilla in the spikelet. The specific epithet squarrosa is Latin and means a tip projecting outwards, usually at an angle of 90º, probably referring to the position of the stiff inflorescence branches. There are four species all occurring in Africa, of which P. squarrosa is the only perennial.

Ecology: The grass is an indicator of poor, sandy soils, old lands and disturbed areas.

Uses and cultural aspects : Pogonarthria squarrosa is a hard, unpalatable grass, therefore seldom grazed. As it is a subclimax grass that colonizes disturbed areas, it would be useful in preventing erosion. There are reports of the culms (stems) being tied together and used as hand brooms.

Growing: Up to now, indigenous grasses have seldom been used in gardens, therefore not much is known about the cultivation especially of the non-pasture grasses, nor are seeds or plants easy to obtain. However, this is changing as people become aware of how grasses can add interest to the garden as a feature. Many also attract birds and other wild life to the garden.

Pogonarthria squarrossa with its unusual inflorescence and red-brown colour would be an asset to a garden. Since it is found in disturbed areas, it should be quite easy to grow in a sandy inland garden.

SPEAR GRASS:

Latin Name: Heteropogon Contortus Uses: Spear Grass is only palatable early in the summer, after which it becomes hard and less acceptable for grazing. The awns often penetrate the woolly coats of sheep and decrease the quality of the wool. Description: Length up to 1 m. Spear Grass is a perennial and quite a fast-growing grass. Utilization is by most grazers. Inflorescence a single green raceme (often hairy) with long, brown, velvety, intertwined awns. Leaf sheaths are compressed and awns curl when dry and tend to cluster together. Habitat: Grows in well-drained, stony soils and in open areas. The twisted seed-heads are often seen along roadsides. Can be seen growing in the Northern Province and the Kruger National Park. Flowers : October - March

Cats Tail

Latin Name : Perotis Patens Uses : The inflorescence is sometimes used in flower arrangements. Due to the few leaves, it is seldom grazed. It is sometimes a weed in disturbed places, but is easy to control mechanically. Description : Length up to 60 cm. Tufted annual with 12 mm leaf blades. Spikelets are small, each with two awns. Leaves are wavy and are blue-green in colour. Inflorescence is an attractive soft, straight spike. This type of grass is unpalatable. Habitat : Occurs in disturbed soils, often in dry, exposed sites. It grows mostly in poor, sandy and compacted soil; also in orchards and cultivated lands, and sometimes on stony slopes. Can be found in the Northern Province and the Kruger National Park. Flowers : November - April.

Common Finger Grass

Latin Name : Digitaria Eriantha Uses : It is a palatable grass that is regarded as one of the best natural and cultivated pastures (the best known cultivar is Smuts finger grass) in southern Africa. It remains palatable until late in the winter and is often utilised as standing hay. Description : Length up to 1.8 m. Tufted perennial with 14 mm leaf blades. An inflorescence with 3 to 15 spikes, in one or two whorls, can be seen at the culm tip. The lower part of the plant is usually hairy. Habitat : Common Finger Grass grows in sandy and gravelly soil in the more arid parts and in damp soil such as beside vleis in areas with a high rainfall. Can be found in the Northern Province and the Kruger National Park. Flowers : January - April

YELLOW THATCHING GRASS:

Latin Name : Hyperthelia Dissoluta Uses : It is grazed in the young stage but later becomes too hard for grazing. It is a strong competitor and can form dense stands in undergrazed veld, which is then difficult to eradicate. Yellow thatching grass is a popular thatching grass. Description : Tall, tufted perennial with 12 mm leaf blades. Length up to 3 m. Inflorescence is purplish-red with yellow awns. Leaf sheath has prominent auricles, with unbranched culms. Habitat : Yellow Thatching Grass usually grows in sandy soil in bushveld with a rainfall in excess of 600 mm per annum. It is also found in open grassland and sometimes in other soil types. Often abundant along roadsides. Can be found growing in the Northern Province and the Kruger National Park. Flowers : December - June

FOXTAIL/ BLOU BUFFEL GRASS:

Latin Name : Cenchrus ciliaris Uses : It is a good grazing grass with a high leaf production and palatability. The palatability, however, decreases as the plant matures. Foxtail Buffalo Grass is, however, difficult to establish in clay soil, but once established, grows well. Description : Length up to 1 m. Tufted perennial with 8 mm leaf blades. Inflorescence is a dense cylindrical spike. This type of grass is palatable and is favoured by grazing herbivores. The spikelets are surrounded by many wavy bristles which arise from a short stalk. Habitat : Foxtail Buffalo Grass grows in dry, warm parts. It grows in all types of soil, but mostly in sandy soil and other well drained soil types. Can be found growing in the Northern Province and the Kruger National Park. Flowers : August - April.