Paspalum dilatatum
| Paspalum dilatatum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| (unranked): | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Genus: | |
| Species: | P. dilatatum
|
| Binomial name | |
| Paspalum dilatatum | |
Paspalum dilatatum is a species of grass known by the common name dallisgrass,[1] Dallas grass, or sticky heads. It is native to Brazil and Argentina, but it is known throughout the world as an introduced species and at times a common weed. Its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes make it an invasive pest in some areas.[2] It is present in the southern half of North America, southern Europe, much of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and many tropical and subtropical areas.
Paspalum dilatatum is a food source for several avian species, including the long-tailed widowbird.
The common name dallisgrass was derived from T. A. Dallis, a 19th-century farmer who grew the species extensively near La Grange, Georgia.[3]
Description
This is a perennial bunch grass forming dense, stiff clumps in the soil and spreading outward. It grows decumbent in a mat or erect to well over 1 m (3 ft) tall. The leaves are mostly hairless, growing up to 35 cm (14 in) long and one wide. The inflorescence is divided into a few branches lined neatly with beadlike pairs of green to purple spikelets.
References
- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Paspalum dilatatum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ UC Davis Dallisgrass Pest Notes
- ^ Hitchcock, Albert S. (1971). Manual of the grasses of the United States, Volume 2. Dover Publications. p. 615.
External links
- {https://projects.ncsu.edu/forage/dallis.htm (Dallis poisoning Cattle)
- "Paspalum dilatatum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
- Jepson Manual Treatment
- Grass Manual Treatment
- Photo gallery
 | This Panicoideae article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
- Paspalum
- Grasses of South America
- Flora of southern South America
- Grasses of Argentina
- Flora of Bolivia
- Flora of Brazil
- Invasive plant species
- Invasive plant species in Australia
- Invasive plant species in New Zealand
- Invasive plant species in South Africa
- Invasive plant species in Sri Lanka
- Invasive plant species in the United States
- Invasive plant species in Europe
- Introduced plants of North America
- Panicoideae stubs