PARA GRASS
Scientific name: Urochloa mutica
Family: Poaceae (Gramineae)/grass
Origin: Africa
Description:
Perennial grass usually rooting at the lower nodes, with flat, rising, or erect tendency. Stems have densely hairy nodes, erect stems can reach to 3 feet tall, creeping stems up to 15 feet in length. Leaf sheaths have dense hairs below to slightly hairy above, blades are flat 10 inches long, 1/2 inch wide, rounded but often with small fine hairs at base above and below. Flowers, open end cluster 8 inches long, with 8-20 alternating branches.
Habitat/Ecology:
Occurs in disturbed wet habitats, such as low fields, ditches, canals and marshes. Tolerant of drought and brackish water, reproduces and spreads primarily by stem fragments. Flowers from September through December. Forms dense stands, displacing native vegetation.
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