There are 173 genera found in South Africa, most of which are indigenous (Meredith 1955). Grass tribes may be grouped as Panicoid grasses containing the tropical and subtropical species and Festacoid grasses containing the temperate species.
How many species of grass are there in South Africa?
Part 1 deals with the identification, classification, and distribution of the grasses known to occur in South Africa-a total of 952 species compared with some 152 species in the British Isles.
What kind of grass grows in South Africa?
Grass Varieties in South Africa
- Caterpiller Grass. Caterpillar grass is very palatable to wild game and domestic livestock and can withstand close grazing and trampling….more.
- Cats Tail. …
- Common Finger Grass. …
- Cordgrass. …
- Creeping Bristle Grass. …
- Curly Leaf Grass. …
- Foxtail Buffalo Grass. …
- Guinea Grass.
What is the most common grass in South Africa?
Kikuyu is the most commonly found lawn type in South Africa and is a great choice for a family lawn in sunny areas.
What is the difference between Kikuyu and LM grass?
This grass has a creeping growth habit but is far less invasive than kikuyu. LM grass is relatively heat tolerant and can recover from drought and heat stress by means of its creeping growth habit. LM grass is well suited to home lawns, office parks, rough areas on golf courses and shade areas.
How many types of grass are there in Africa?
There are 173 genera found in South Africa, most of which are indigenous (Meredith 1955). Grass tribes may be grouped as Panicoid grasses containing the tropical and subtropical species and Festacoid grasses containing the temperate species. The panicoid group contains most of the African grasses.
Which grass grows the fastest?
What type of seeds grow the fastest? Bermuda grass is the fastest-growing warm season grass, germinating in as little as 10 days. Ryegrass, which grows in cool climates, also germinates that quickly.
What is the best lawn in South Africa?
Kikuyu grass became very popular across South Africa, professionally and domestically. Until today, Kikuyu (named after a tribe in Kenya) is still the most popular and affordable lawn, because of this reviving quality.
Which grass is green year round?
Basically, Fescue is a cool season grass (that means it likes cooler temperatures, more appropriately, it melts in higher temperatures), so now is the time it should look good. Many covet their fescue simply because it is green year round, unlike its warm season grass counterparts that brown out in the winter.
Which type of grass is best for lawn?
Tips for growing a gorgeous lawn:
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) do best in Northern climates, while warm-season grasses (St. Augustine, zoysia) fare better in Southern climates. A grass variety recommended for one area of the country may be discouraged for use in another area.
What grass grows in shade in South Africa?
Buffalo Grass
Buffalo (also called LM grass) is a very common lawn in South Africa. Buffalo lawn is a great choice for shaded areas because of its high shade tolerance. Buffalo lawns grow slowly and are therefore low maintenance.
Can you mix Kikuyu and LM grass?
LM grass cannot withstand too much traffic and is much more sensitive than the Kikuyu. … As it is also a creeper it can be combined with a grass such as Kikuyu to fill in the shady areas. LM Berea is also a fast grower and although it slows down in winter it will still grow in this season.
How do I identify LM grass?
Description. LM grass is a perennial grass and one of the most popular grasses grown in South Africa for garden lawns. The inflorescence has two or three spikes at its tip. The leaves are dark green, shiny, and have sparse hairs on their edges.
How long does it take to grow LM grass?
Its slow-growing habit makes it an easy lawn to maintain. When planting new LM lawn keep the following in mind: Establishment – Establishment takes 4 weeks; within this phase you are to leave the grass as undisrupted as possible. This means manage traffic and no mowing.
Which grass grows best in shade?
Fine fescues have the greatest shade tolerance among common cool-season grasses, while tall fescues do well in moderate shade. Perennial ryegrass and Kentucky bluegrass need more sun, but some varieties tolerate light shade well. Trees compete with lawn grasses for water, light and nutrients.