Is Rhodes grass native to Australia?

Is Rhodes grass native to Australia?

Rhodes grass is a morphologically variable out-crossing species, which is native to east, central and southern Africa where it occurs in open grasslands. It was introduced into Australia by soldiers returning from the Boer war, who brought with them the common variety (cv ‘Pioneer’).

Where can you find Rhodes grass?

Rhodes grass is a spring and summer-growing grass found in open woodlands and grasslands, in road margins, disturbed sites and river banks. It is cultivated in sown pastures in irrigated terraces (Quattrocchi, 2006; Cook et al., 2005).

Where does Rhodes grass come from?

Australia first got introduced to Rhodes grass when it was brought back by soldiers returning from the Boer war in South Africa at the turn of the 20th century. Pastoralists soon worked out that it was ideally suited to balmy Australian conditions, and its use quickly spread throughout the rural community.

Does Rhodes grass spread?

Rhodes grass is commonly found on roadsides and other areas of disturbance throughout the tropics and subtropics. It spreads readily by seed and runners.

Is Rhodes grass a good pasture?

Rhodes grass does not tolerate drought or flooding well and is best adapted to areas where annual rainfall exceeds 600 mm. It is only moderately tolerant of frost, but tolerant of salinity and cool burning. Low oxalate concentrations make Rhodes grass a valuable pasture grass for horses.

How do you identify Rhodes grass?

Rhodes grass Seedlings may be identified by: the first leaf pair being short and broad. leaf blades that are flat and distinctively curved downwards, with a slight twist (see bottom right picture above) no hairs on stems and leaves, but sparse, 2-3mm long hairs where the leaf blade meets the stem (ligule)

How long does Rhodes grass take to grow?

7 days
Establishment. Rhodes grass is readily established from seed. The seed germinates quickly (1–7 days) depending on temperature. Rhodes grass displays good seedling vigour and often achieves full groundcover within three months of sowing.

How does Rhodes grass survive?

Rhodes grass can grow in a variety of soil conditions. The fact that this type of grass survives on little rainfall, can grow in low pH soils, and has a moderate tolerance to aluminum means that it may be beneficial to poor farmers in the sub-tropics.

Can horses eat Rhodes grass hay?

Advantages – Rhodes grass is a sub-tropical (C4) pasture species, but is low in oxalate. The GREAT thing about Rhodes grass hay is it more consistent and reliable in terms of the low starch and sugar content, which makes it a good choice for horses with health issues such as insulin resistance (IR).

How fast does Rhodes grass grow?

Rhodes grass is readily established from seed. The seed germinates quickly (1–7 days) depending on temperature. Rhodes grass displays good seedling vigour and often achieves full groundcover within three months of sowing.

Is Rhodes grass hay good for cattle?

Rhodes grass was – and still is – the preferred hay fodder for camels. While cattle, particularly dairy cows, are one of the major consumers of rhodes grass hay, the fodder is considered to being the best for camels and their digestive systems.

How do I get rid of Rhodes in my lawn?

Light cultivation of a patch is a very viable option to stimulate germination and allow effective herbicide control of small plants. Under the right conditions fire is also effective to kill the plants and seed on the surface. Optical spray technology is the only option for treating plants larger than fist size.

How big does a Rhodes grass plant get?

Rhodes grass is a perennial or annual tropical grass, leafy, approximately 1-2m in height, and highly variable in habit. Its leaves are long and wide, while the roots go deep, down to 4.5m. One of the reasons for Rhodes grass’s popularity is its ability to adapt to a variety of climatic and soil conditions.

Where to find Rhodes grass in Western Australia?

In Western Australia, Rhodes grass has become one of the most widely sown subtropical grasses since 2000 ( Moore, 2006 ). Rhodes grass is a spring and summer-growing grass found in open woodlands and grasslands, in road margins, disturbed sites and river banks.

What to do with Rhodes grass after sowing?

Seed-soil contact may be improved on non-crusting soils by rollers or presswheels that will firm the seedbed soil around the seed. Be careful if harrowing after sowing that the small pasture seed is not being buried by more than 5 mm of soil or the shoot might not have the energy to emerge and establish.

When is the best time to graze Rhodes grass?

The success of a pasture will depend on its grazing management in the first year. Do not graze until follow-up rainfall allows seedlings to develop a strong root system and set some seed, then graze lightly. Short periods of grazing are preferable to continuous stocking.