Feathery Rhodes grass

Chloris virgata

Chloris virgata, commonly known as feather fingergrass or feathertop Rhodes grass, is a warm-season perennial grass belonging to the Poaceae family. Here's a detailed description:

Botanical Description:

  1. Habit:

    • Feather fingergrass is a tufted grass with a bunchgrass growth habit.

  2. Height:

    • It typically grows to a height of about 30 to 90 centimeters (12 to 35 inches).

  3. Leaves:

    • The leaves are linear, often rolled, and can be rough to the touch. They are alternately arranged along the stem.

  4. Inflorescence:

    • The inflorescence consists of digitate (finger-like) spikes that radiate from a central point, resembling a feather.

  5. Spikelets:

    • The spikelets are arranged along the digitate spikes and contain the grass flowers.

  6. Flowering:

    • Feather fingergrass flowers during the warm season.

Identification Tips:

  • Bunchgrass Growth Habit:

    • The grass forms tufts or bunches.

  • Digitate Inflorescence:

    • The inflorescence is distinctive, resembling a feather with digitate spikes.

  • Linear, Rolled Leaves:

    • The leaves are narrow, linear, and often rolled.

Habitat:

  • Distribution:

    • Feather fingergrass is native to Africa but has become widely distributed in tropical and subtropical regions globally.

  • Habitat:

    • It thrives in open grasslands, disturbed areas, roadsides, and pastures.

Ecological Impact:

  • Invasive Potential:
    • Feather fingergrass can become invasive in certain regions, outcompeting native vegetation.

Uses:

  • Forage:
    • In some regions, feather fingergrass is utilized as forage for livestock.

Management:

  • Cultural Practices:

    • Maintaining healthy and competitive vegetation in pastures can help suppress the growth of feather fingergrass.

  • Herbicides:

    • Selective herbicides labeled for use on grassy weeds may be used in areas where control is necessary. Always follow recommended application rates and guidelines.