Megathyrsus maximus

Description:

Plant IdentificationCommon name: guinea grass, buffalograss, green panicgrassBotanical Name: Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Panicum maximum)Family name: PoaceaeLocation: Richmond, NSWDate: 21st March 2009Collector: John PoulakisHabitat: A perennial grass, clumping to m high. Grows around disturbed sites, including roadsides, and particularlyuntended areas. Deep, dense fibrous root system allows it to survive long drought periods.Economic significance: Can withstand heavy continuous grazing and is a useful fodder species. It can foster soil erosion in invaded areas. Continued use as a fodder may lead to invasion of areas inaccessible to livestock, and into native areas. A fire hazard in dry periods.