Where does gamba grass grow?
Africa
Almost all known locations of gamba grass lie in areas below an altitude of 980 m that receive between 400 mm and 1500 mm of annual rainfall. Gamba grass is native to the tropical and sub-tropical savannas of Africa, from Senegal on the west coast to Sudan in the east and south to Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa.
Where is gamba grass found in Australia?
Gamba grass (Andropogon gayanus) In 1942, it was introduced to Queensland, but large-scale planting only began around 1983. It has naturalised in the east Kimberley region of Western Australia, in the northern parts of the Northern Territory, and in coastal and sub-coastal areas of North Queensland.
How do you identify gamba grass?
The many cultivars of gamba grass have the following key features:
- mature plants grow up to 4 m tall, with tussocks up to 70 cm in diameter;
- leaves are 30–60 cm long and up to 3 cm wide with a distinctive white midrib and covered with soft hairs;
- stems are robust and also covered in soft hairs;
What kills gamba grass?
glyphosate
A herbicide is a chemical that destroys or slows the growth of plants, especially weeds. The herbicide used to control gamba grass is called glyphosate.
How fast does gamba grass grow?
Time from first flowering to full seed production (harvest) is 36–44 days (Cook et al. 2005). If it is non-grazed, gamba grass can produce between 15 000 to 244 000 seeds per plant per annum, with up to 65% initial viability (Flores et al. 2005).
What is the meaning of gamba grass?
Native to Africa’s tropical and subtropical savannas, Gamba grass is a perennial tussock grass introduced to many parts of the world for use as an improved pasture plant. Gamba grass was imported into Queensland as a pasture grass in 1942, but was not planted on a large scale until about 1983.
What is Southern Gamba?
Gamba grass is one of the most productive, drought and fire resistant grass of tropical Africa. It is a perennial leafy species that forms dense stands and can be used for pastures, hay and cut-and-carry systems.
What is para grass?
Native to tropical Africa, para grass is a creeping, perennial grass that can grow in both semi-aquatic situations and on deep soils in non-swampy areas. It was introduced to Queensland around 1880 to reduce soil erosion along the banks of waterways. It is an aggressive invader and can displace native plants.
Is gamba grass spear grass?
On the rehabilitation area, vegetation is currently dominated by a range of invasive grasses, most prominently Gamba Grass, but also some native species, most notably Black Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus (L.) P. Beauv.
What does gamba grass do?
Replaces native grasses, reducing natural biodiversity on non-grazed land.
What is the botanical name for Gamba grass?
Andropogon gayanus
Andropogon gayanus (gamba grass, Rhodesian bluegrass, tambuki grass) is a species of grass native to most of the tropical and sub-tropical savannas of Africa.
What is giant star grass?
Giant star grass (Cynodon plectostachyus (K. Pilger) is a robust, stoloniferous perennial grass with underground rhizomes. The stolons are thick, woody, with long internodes arching above the soil surface. They are fast-growing and form dense turf. The culms are robust, 30-90 cm high.
Where does the gamba grass grow in Africa?
Gamba grass is native to the tropical and sub-tropical savannas of Africa, from Senegal on the west coast to Sudan in the east and south to Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa. Extended dry seasons are a feature of much of this region.
When was the gamba grass introduced to Queensland?
© Queensland Government. Native to Africa’s tropical and subtropical savannas, Gamba grass is a perennial tussock grass introduced to many parts of the world for use as an improved pasture plant. Gamba grass was imported into Queensland as a pasture grass in 1942, but was not planted on a large scale until about 1983.
How is gamba grass classified under the weeds management act?
Gamba grass is a declared weed under section 7 of the Weeds Management Act. It has a split declaration based on its known distribution and density. There are two declaration zones: Class B – growth and spread to be controlled Class A – to be eradicated in all areas of the NT except where it is classified as class B.
What kind of grass is used in Africa?
Andropogon bisquamulatus Hochst., Andropogon gayanus var. squamulatus Stapf, Andropogon squamulatus Hochst. Gamba grass is one of the most productive, drought and fire resistant grass of tropical Africa. It is a perennial leafy species that forms dense stands and can be used for pastures, hay and cut-and-carry systems.