| Melinis repens | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Melinis |
| Species: | M. repens |
| Binomial name | |
| Melinis repens (Willd.) Zizka |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Rhynchelytrum repens |
|
Melinis repens is a species of grass known by the common names rose Natal grass, or simply Natal grass, and Natal redtop. It is native to southern Africa but it is well known on other continents, including North America and Australia, as an introduced species and sometimes a noxious weed. It is an annual or perennial grass which may grow up to a meter tall, its growth rate dependent on temperature. The inflorescence is an open array of branches bearing spikelets which are densely coated in silky white or pink hairs.