Melinis minutiflora
Melinis minutiflora | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
(unranked): | Angiosperms |
(unranked): | Monocots |
(unranked): | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Genus: | Melinis |
Species: | M. minutiflora |
Binomial name | |
Melinis minutiflora P.Beauv. | |
Melinis minutiflora, commonly known as molasses grass, is a species of grass.
It is a perennial grass native to Africa. It spreads in the form of mat. It has erect stems up to 1.5 meters tall. It has fragrant foliage and sticky, reddish inflorescences. It blooms for short periods.
Introduced + invasive species
It was introduced to tropical countries for livestock feed, and is now naturalized in some areas. It is considered an invasive species in many parts of the world, including some Pacific Islands and South America.
It has been weedy in Australia, where it has been introduced. In the Brazilian savanna (Cerrado) this species is invasive and dominant due to the increased frequency of fire.[1]
References
- ↑ Hoffmann, W.A. & Jackson, R.B. (2000) Vegetation–climate feedbacks in the conversion of tropical savanna to grassland. Journal of Climate , 13 ,1593–1602.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Melinis minutiflora. |