Dactyloctenium australe
Sweet smothergrass
Durban grass, durbangrass, sweet smothergrass; sweet smother grass and berea grass (South Africa).
Sweet smothergrass, also known as Durban grass, is a coarse-textured perennial grass species that spreads by above-ground runners (stolons). The grass requires about 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight for above acceptable growth. Is best suited for shaded areas, e.g. 50% shade, with NO wear. The grass will also handle growing in full sun. It prefers well-drained soil. The variety looks good following adequate fertiliser and being mown at approx. 50 mm. It is a relatively low maintenance turfgrass. The variety is more suited for domestic lawns, parks and garden areas. It is also used commonly within orchard inter-rows within Northern NSW and South East QLD because of its high shade tolerance.
"Sweet smothergrass", a Dactyloctenium australe variety called LM / Berea Grass will soon be made commercially available in Australia by seed introduced from South Africa.
Sweet smothergrass leaves are 2.5 mm to 4.5 mm wide, blade length 50 mm to 70 mm long in a lawn situation, mid-dark green, shiny, slightly hairy on the margins and slightly crinkled in appearance. The plants stolons produce tufted growths every 6 cm to 10 cm, which root at the nodes (DAF, no date). If left unmown, sweet smothergrass stems can grow to between 30 cm and 80 cm tall. Inflorescence digitate, with spicate branches. Rhachis deciduous from axis; Fertile spikelets many flowered, with at least 2 fertile florets (2–6), comprising 2–6 fertile floret(s), with diminished florets at the apex, elliptic or oblong or ovate, laterally compressed, 4–5.5 mm long (Simon, 2010). Inflorescence radial arms are about 15 cm above the canopy if left unmown.
Pests, disease and weeds
Check to see which Pests, Diseases and or Weeds this turf variety may be susceptible to and how to successfully control them in your home lawn or sports turf. Simon, 2010. Dactyloctenium australe, http://ausgrass2.myspecies.info/content/dactyloctenium-australe (accessed 15 Apr 2017) - view the latter web page to see excellent close up images.
