Because of the general similarity in appearance between the various giant types of Cynodon, there has been considerable confusion over the years in the taxonomic affiliation of many specimens. It is suggested that all stargrasses identified as Cynodon plectostachyus prior to 1970 were probably Cyndon nlemfuensis[].

Common Name:

General Information

Cynodon nlemfuensis is a perennial evergreen grass, spreading by means of somewhat woody stolons to form a mat of growth 30 - 100cm tall[].
Mainly used as a feed for livestock, the plant can also be used to cover the ground and protect the soil.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Africa - Chad to Ethiopia and Somalia, south to Angola, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Widely naturalized in the tropics.

Habitat

Disturbed areas in grassland, cattle paddocks and road verges, on moist alluvium[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated

Cultivation Details

The plant is found naturally in tropical areas at latitudes from about 15°N to 15°S, and from sea level to elevations of more than 2,300 metres, representing a range in average annual temperature from about 20 - 27°c. It grows in areas with a mean annual rainfall between about 600 - 3,000mm (commonly 800 - 1,200mm)[].
Grows best in full sun or light shade[]. Succeeds on a wide range of soil types from sands to heavy clays, although it grows best in moist, well-drained, lighter textured soils[415. It is adapted to soils with a pH between about 4.5 - 8, but ideally between about 5.5 - 7[].
When placed in a moist, firm seedbed, nodes sprout in 5 - 10 days, and a solid stand can be achieved in 3 months after planting under good conditions[].
Some types produce reasonable amounts of seed and have vigorous seedlings, so there is considerable potential for spread by seed. However, most produce little or no seed and can only spread vegetatively[]. All types have fibrous, resilient stolons that survive ploughing, stands actually being improved by cultivation. These grasses can therefore become weeds in cropping systems, although they are not as serious as Cynodon dactylon[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is a useful live mulch and ground cover for weed control and soil conservation[]. These are very vigorous grasses that, unmanaged, can overgrow associated legumes. However, they are mostly not very shade tolerant, and can be shaded out by taller grasses and trees[]. The plant could be used as a ground cover amongst non-densely growing trees and shrubs where heavy pedestrian traffic is experienced[]. It could also be used as a quick means of covering and protecting the soil when re-establishing woodland - the grass would die out as the trees and shrubs established themselves[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -
Due to minimal seed set, these grasses are mostly propagated vegetatively, using either sprigs (above-ground stems) or stolons (runners). Freshly harvested planting material is broadcast on clean cultivated soil and covered by discing 5-10 cm deep and heavily rolled. With manual planting, stems are inserted into the soil to 75% of their length before compacting. Sprigs and newly established plants are susceptible to drought and should be kept moist[].

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