Common Name:

General Information

Paspalum conjugatum is a creeping, perennial grass with culms that can grow 30 - 60cm tall. Spreading by means of long stolons that root at the nodes to form new growth, the plant can form a dense mat of growth, especially when cut regularly as in a lawn[].
The plant has spread widely from its original range in the Americas, often escaping to become a weed when used as a pasture grass and lawn plant. It is often harvested for medicinal use by traditional peoples.

Known Hazards

Wet fruits may become very irritating as they easily stick to one's legs and clothing[].
It is stated that only the young stage of the grass is suitable for grazing since the fruits tend to stick in the throats of livestock and choke them[].

Botanical References

Range

Tropical and subtropical America - widespread from Argentina and Paraguay north through C. America and the Caribbean to the southern states of USA

Habitat

Open to moderately shaded places; it is found naturalized under plantation crops, along stream banks, roadsides and in disturbed areas; on a variety of soils, often growing gregariously; at elevations from near sea-level up to 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Paspalum conjugatum has a wide range of climatic tolerance, growing wild in the tropics and subtropics and spreading widely as a weed outside its range. It is best adapted to humid climates[].
Succeeds in a wide range of habitats, growing well in full sun to moderate shade, in a wide range of soils including acidic, low-nutrient soils, and in wet as well as drier soils[].
Often grown in pastures and as a lawn, the plant escapes from cultivation and has become widely naturalized outside its native range. The small seeds are probably distributed by humans and animals on clothing and fur, whilst small parts of the stolons can root to form new plants. It is regarded as an important weed in rice and plantation crops, and is a common and aggressive weed in pasture land in Australia. It grows vigorously under partial shade and may compete seriously with tree crops - it has been stated that some native forests have become extinct due to this pest[, , ].
Flowering commences 4 - 5 weeks after seedling emergence, and the plant continues to flower all year round[].
New shoots develop at every rooted node[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

A decoction of the leaves, or the crushed spikelets, is used in the treatment of wounds and sores[, ]. The leaves are also used in the treatment of fever, debility, stomach troubles and pulmonary afflictions[].
Young leaves are pounded and then applied as paste onto wounds and cuts[].

An infusion of the plant is used as a remedy for headaches[]. The efficacy of this treatment may be due to an ergot-like fungus infestation[].
Used as an antivenom, a decoction of the whole plant, combined with the oil of Lebrunia bushaie, is rubbed on the bite[].

The roots are used in the treatment of diarrhea and dysentery[]

The presence of a haemostatic glucoside, which reduced the time for blood clotting by 50%, has been reported for this species[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant spreads by means of stolons, is tolerant of some trampling and also responds well to fairly low cutting; it is occasionally used as a lawn grass[, ].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - the germination percentage is usually low[].
Cuttings of prostate culms, using 2 - 3 nodes per cutting[].

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