What does it look like?
African fountain grass produces upright flowering stems that are either unbranched or sparsely branched. These stems emerge from the base of the plant along with the majority of the leaves. The leaf blades are long, narrow, and linear in shape, measuring around 15–40 cm in length and just 1–3 mm wide. They have a slightly rough texture to the touch and are generally hairless, though a few fine hairs may be present near the base. At the point where the leaf sheath meets the blade, there is a small but noticeable fringe of hairs.
The long and spike-like seed-head is actually a spike-like panicle with very short branches. These seed-heads are upright or droopy and are 6cm – 30cm long. They are quite feathery or bristly and borne at the top of the flowering stems. Younger seed-heads are reddish, pinkish or purplish and consist of large numbers of densely packed, stalkless flower spikelet clusters.
Each of the flower spikelet clusters contains 1-3 spikelets and is surrounded by many long feathery bristles (12-26 mm long). However, one of these bristles is significantly longer than the others (16-40 mm long). The elongated fertile flower spikelets (4.5-6.5 mm long) consist of a lower sterile floret and an upper fertile floret. Flowering occurs sporadically throughout the year, but mostly during summer. The mature seed-heads turn straw-coloured or whitish and the flower spikelets are shed from the seed-head intact, along with the surrounding bristles. The seeds themselves are yellowish-brown and have a smooth texture.
This species reproduces by seed, creeping rhizomes, and fragments spread by soil movement and machinery. These light and feathery 'seeds' are primarily dispersed by wind but can also be carried by water and on clothing or animal fur.
Why is it a problem?
Fountain grass has been grown ornamentally but has spread to wasteland and could cause future problems in open forest areas. It also has the potential to reduce pasture production.
It outcompetes native pioneer species in vulnerable habitats and invades established plant communities. It can cause habitat changes and sand to build up, leading to erosion or flooding elsewhere, and loss of dunelakes and wetlands. It’s also a fire hazard and can harbour rats and mice.
Rhizomes create dense spreading masses in well-lit sites. It seeds prolifically from two years of age with a seed viability of over 80%. It’s also long-lived, medium to fast growing, and tolerant of many soil types, hot or cold temperatures, drought, wind, salt, damage, and grazing.
Control methods
Physical control
For a small infestation, plants can be dug out entirely. Make sure you check for regrowth. Slashing or mowing will keep larger areas in check if plants are prevented from seeding.
Herbicide control
Spray using a product containing 520g/L haloxyfop-P. Knapsack rate of 3ml/L water. Hose and gun rate 95ml/100L water. Repeat applications may be needed.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide, PLEASE READ THE LABEL THOROUGHLY to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
More information
Other Pennisetum species can look very similar. Native toetoe and exotic pampas (all Cortaderia and Austroderia species) grow to 2-5 m and have large, fluffy flowerheads.
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