Paspalum dilatatum

Paspalum dilatatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
(unranked): Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Paspalum
Species: P. dilatatum
Binomial name
Paspalum dilatatum
Poir.

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

External links

Wikispecies has information related to: Paspalum dilatatum
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