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Cenchrus clandestinus (Chiov.) Morrone
Kikuyu Grass

Reference
Ann.Bot. 106:127 (2010)
Conservation Code
Not threatened
Naturalised Status
Alien to Western Australia
Name Status
Current

Distribution

IBRA Regions
Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplains, Hampton, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain, Warren.
IBRA Subregions
Dandaragan Plateau, Geraldton Hills, Hampton, Merredin, Northern Jarrah Forest, Perth, Southern Jarrah Forest, Warren.
IMCRA Regions
Leeuwin-Naturaliste.
Local Government Areas (LGAs)
Augusta Margaret River, Busselton, Capel, Dandaragan, Denmark, Dowerin, Dundas, Gosnells, Harvey, Kalamunda, Melville, Nannup, Nedlands, Northampton, Rockingham, Toodyay.

Management Notes (for the Swan NRM Region)

General Biology. Growth form. Grass. Life form. Perennial, stoloniferous/rhizomatous. Reproduction. Rhizomes, stolons. Dispersal. Grazing animals, garden refuse, soil movement. Photosynthetic pathway. C4. Seedbank persistence. Rarely sets seed. Fire response. resprouts.

Notes. Grows rapidly forming dense mats. Favoured as a lawn and pasture species, however can be serious weed of bushland particularly riparian areas. Shades and inhibits growth of herbs and shrubs. Known to release allelopathic substances which impact nearby species.

Additional information. Origin. Tropical eastern Asia. History of use/introduction. Lawn, pasture, soil stabalisation.

Suggested method of management and control. Difficult to manually control as all rhizomes must be removed. Spray with 1% glyphosate or Fusilade® Forte at 16 ml/L + wetting agent or for generic fluazifop-p (212g/L active ingredient) 10ml/L + wetting agent. 2-3 sprays over a single growing season are often required. Use unplanned fire events to effectively control any regrowth. Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your situation or state.

Management Calendar

Calendar Type Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Comments
Dormant           Y Y Y          
Active Growth Y Y Y O                  
Flowering Y Y                   Y  
Optimum Treatment Y O O O             Y Y  

Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.

 

References

  • Brown, K. & Brooks, K. (2002) Bushland Weeds: A Practical Guide to their Management. Environmental Weeds Action Network, Greenwood.
  • Brown, K. & Brooks, K. (2002) Bushland Weeds: A Practical Guide to their Management. Environmental Weeds Action Network, Greenwood.
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture (2001) Encycloweedia: The noxious weeds data sheets. URL: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/encycloweedia_hp.htm - Accessed December 2007.
  • California Department of Food and Agriculture (2001) Encycloweedia: The noxious weeds data sheets. URL: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/phpps/ipc/encycloweedia/encycloweedia_hp.htm - Accessed December 2007.
  • CRC Weed Management (2008) Weed Management Guide - Feathergrasses and mission grasses (Pennisetum species). CRC for Australian Weed Management, Canberra.
  • CRC Weed Management (2008) Weed Management Guide - Feathergrasses and mission grasses (Pennisetum species). CRC for Australian Weed Management, Canberra.
  • Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. & Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. 2nd Edition. The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park.
  • Hussey, B.M.J., Keighery, G.J., Dodd, J., Lloyd, S.G. & Cousens, R.D. (2007) Western Weeds. A guide to the weeds of Western Australia. 2nd Edition. The Plant Protection Society of Western Australia, Victoria Park.
  • Moore, J.H. & Wheeler, J. (2008) Southern weeds and their control. DAFWA Bulletin 4744.
  • Moore, J.H. & Wheeler, J. (2008) Southern weeds and their control. DAFWA Bulletin 4744.
  • Muyt, A. (2001) Bush invaders of South-East Australia: A guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in South-East Australia. R.G. & F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
  • Muyt, A. (2001) Bush invaders of South-East Australia: A guide to the identification and control of environmental weeds found in South-East Australia. R.G. & F.J. Richardson, Melbourne.
  • Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (2008) Plant threats to Pacific ecosystems. URL: http://www.hear.org/pier/scinames.htm - Accessed January 2010.
  • Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER) (2000) Invasive plant species: Pennisetum clandestium Hochst. Ex Chiov., Poaceae, Risk Assessment Results. , http://www.hear.org/pier/pecla.htm.
  • Parsons, J.M. (ed.) (1995) The Australian weed control handbook. 10th Edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
  • Parsons, J.M. (ed.) (1995) The Australian weed control handbook. 10th Edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
  • Wilen, C.A. & Holt, J.S. (1996) Physiological mechanisms for the rapid growth of Pennisetum clandestinum in Mediterranean climates. Weed Research, 36: 213-225.
  • Wilen, C.A. & Holt, J.S. (1996) Physiological mechanisms for the rapid growth of Pennisetum clandestinum in Mediterranean climates. Weed Research, 36: 213-225.