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African lovegrass Facts

African lovegrass Facts
African lovegrass is flowering plant that belongs to the family of grasses. It originates from southern parts of Africa. African lovegrass grows in woodlands, grasslands, chaparral and along the roads and railways. It can be also found on the pastures, farmlands and urban areas. African lovegrass grows on light, acidic, sandy soils. It easily occupies new areas and prevents growth of native plant species. African lovegrass is classified as noxious weed in Australia and some parts of the USA. People apply various mechanical methods (extraction of young plants from the soil) and use various herbicides to eradicate African lovegrass from the occupied areas.
Interesting African lovegrass Facts:
African lovegrass produces erect (or occasionally drooping) stem that can reach 42 inches in height. It often grows in large colonies.
African lovegrass has strong, fibrous root system that can reach 13 feet in depth and 9.8 feet in width.
African lovegrass has long, narrow leaves. They can be bright green or bluish-green in color. Tips and edges of leaves are curled. Leaves are smooth on both surfaces and they have prominent parallel veins. African lovegrass produces very tough leaves that cannot be broken easily. They grow in the form of dense tufts.
African lovegrass produces greenish-purple or grey flowers arranged in the form of multi-branched inflorescence (panicle) on top of the stem. Branches are lined with spikelets (small spikes) filled with up to 15 florets.
African lovegrass blooms from December to May or June. It produces seed without pollination (phenomenon known as apomixis).
African lovegrass produces seed from the middle of summer until the beginning of winter. Seed heads can reach 12 inches in length. Each panicle produces 1000 seed per season. Seed can be creamy, dark orange, brown or translucent. Cultivated varieties of African lovegrass produce seed two times per year.
African lovegrass propagates via seed which can be easily transferred to the new location via heavy machinery and animals. Seed easily attaches to the fur and hooves of animals and retains ability to germinate after elimination via feces.
Name "African lovegrass" refers to the origin of this plant (Africa) and its scientific name, "Eragrostis" ("eros" = "love", "agrostis" = "grass" in Greek language).
Young stems of African lovegrass are important source of food for cattle in Africa.
African lovegrass is used for the stabilization of soil (to prevent erosion).
African lovegrass is used to facilitate establishment of certain legumes and grasses.
Colonies of African lovegrass facilitate spreading of fire in the wild (highly flammable).
Some varieties of African lovegrass are cultivated in ornamental purposes.
African lovegrass is used in funeral rituals and for the manufacture of baskets, brooms, ropes and candles in some parts of South Africa.
African lovegrass is perennial plant (lifespan: more than 2 years).


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