Discover Nature at JCU Plants NQ Weeds by common name Sporobolus natalensis

Sporobolus natalensis

(Giant Rat’s Tail Grass)

FAMILY

Poaceae

Species

Sporobolus natalensis

Common name(s)

Giant Rat’s Tail Grass CLASS 2

Flower colour; life form

Grass, tufted perennial to 1.7 m tall

Distinguishing features

Inflorescence spike-like to 40 cm long, 3 cm wide; lower branches of the panicle open out when flowering. Seeds sticky when damp, disperse by adhering to clothes etc. An African grass, seeds viable for about 10 years.

Sporobolus natalensis