Melinis repens

Natal red top
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Poaceae
Subfamily:	Panicoideae
Genus:	Melinis
Species:	M. repens
Binomial name
Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka
Synonyms
Rhynchelytrum repens Saccharum repens Tricholaena repens Tricholaena rosea

Melinis repens is a species of grass known by the common names rose Natal grass, Natal red top, or simply Natal grass. It is native to southern Africa and an introduced species, often considered a noxious weed, on other continents such as North America and Australia. It is an annual or perennial grass, growing up to a meter tall. Its growth rate is dependent on temperature. The inflorescence is an open array of branches bearing spikelets densely coated in silky white or pink hairs.

External links

• Grass Manual Treatment
• Jepson Manual Treatment — invasive plant species in California.
• USDA Plants Profile — invasive plant species.
• Western Australian Flora — invasive plant species.

• Melinis repens in West African plants – A Photo Guide.