Cenchrus clandestinus
 |
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2008) |
| Pennisetum clandestinum | |
|---|---|
| File:Pennisetum clandestinum.jpg | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Division: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | P. clandestinum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pennisetum clandestinum | |
The tropical grass species Pennisetum clandestinum is known by several common names, most often kikuyu grass, as it is native to the region of East Africa that is home to the Kĩkũyũ tribe. In may areas it is known as a noxious weed[1] (being banned in some areas of the United States[citation needed]), however, it is also a popular garden lawn species in the Australia due to its economical pricing and drought tolerance[2]. It is also used as pasture for livestock grazing[citation needed].
It has been introduced across Asia, Australia, the Americas, and the Pacific. It has high invasive potential due to its aggressive rhizomes and stolons, with which it penetrates the ground rapidly, forms dense mats, and out competes other plant species. It grows from a thick network of rhizomatous roots and sends out prostrate stolons which extend along the ground. Rooted nodes send up bunches of grass blades, each blade narrow and up to 5 centimeters in length. It is native to the low-elevation tropics of Kenya and environs, where it grows best in humid heat. It is most common in wet coastal areas.
The plant flourishes by establishing itself in thick mats. It can climb over other plant life, shading it out and producing herbicidal toxins that kill competing plants[citation needed]. It prevents new sprouts of other species from growing and can even kill small tree saplings. It is resistant to mowing and grazing due to its strong network of roots, which easily send up new shoots. It springs up in turfs and lawns, and can ruin architecture by forcing itself up between stones and tiles. The plant is easily introduced to new areas on plowing and digging machinery, which may transfer bits of the rhizome in soil clumps. While the grass spreads well via vegetative reproduction from pieces of rhizome, it is also dispersed via seed.
The grass was popularized in Western culture by Johnny Miller during the United States Open golf tournament, played at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, CA. During NBC's telecasts, Mr. Miller repeatedly referred to how difficult it was for players to hit approach shots from the rough because of the "native kikuyu" grass.