RANGE GRASSES OF HAWAIl - ctahr - University of Hawaii

38 BULLETIN 65, HAWAII EXPERIMENT STATION
No. 36. PENNISETUM CLANDESTINUM
C-ommon name: Kikuyu
Kikuyu grass has ,been tested extensively in Australia,. particularly
in New South Wales, and also in South Africa and east Africa (1, p.
95). It was introduced into Hawaii from California in 1924. It is a
perennial with vigorous surface and underground runners. It·sometimes
grows 3 feet high on rich soil with ample moisture, but usually
is 12 inches high or less. It seldom seed's in Hawaii and is propagated
entirely from cuttings. It forms a sod not easily trampled out, and
FIGURE 36.-Pennisetum clandestinum
withstands grazing. Kikuyu grass spreads very rapidly and holds its
own against practically all other grasses. In South' Africa it is said"
to grow satisfactorily with white clover. Opinions of its palatability
differ, some ranchmen stating that cattle eat it readily, others believing
that stock must acquire a liking for it.
In Hawaii, the grass is being planted from sea level to 6,000 feet in
elevation. It is thriving at the latter altitude, and is said not to be
affected by the light frosts there. It is too early to predict the future
of kikuyu grass in Hawaii, but unless it shows some undesirable feature
it will be planted widely to supplant some less desirable kinds.
In Australia it is being substituted for Dallis grass (Paspalum dilatatum)
because it grows more rapidly.