Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.

Kikuyu grass

Coarse-textured, warm season perennial that spreads by means of rhizomes and stolons. Will climb up supporting structures. Leaf folded in bud. Leaf blade flat or v-shaped, slightly pubescent, light green colour, tapering to a point. Ligule 1-2 mm long. Sheath slightly flattened and usually pubescent, pale green to almost white. Inflorescence remaining almost entirely enclosed within the upper leaf sheath and consisting of 2-6 spikelets, each on a small branch.

Tropical east Africa

Lawn grass that is naturalised in all states except the Northern Territory and is a serious environmental weed in some of these locations.

Tends to yellow and die down over winter.

Useful pasture and turf grass species for sports fields, race courses, golf course fairways.

Available cultivars include: 'Hameln', Moudry', 'Woodside'.

Source: Spencer, R.; Aldous, D.; Stajsic, V.; McGeary, D (2005). Poaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

kingdom Plantae
phylum   Tracheophyta
class    Magnoliopsida
superorder     Lilianae
order      Poales
family       Poaceae
genus        Pennisetum Rich.