Paspalum vaginatum
Seashore paspalum
Velvetene®; TFWA02 (Australian Plant Breeder's Rights).
Velvetene is no longer sold commercially in Australia. It was last sold by Superior Lawns in Western Australia, who is no loger in turf production.
A medium to fine-textured seashore paspalum that has dark green leaves with a shiny lustre due to a waxy leaf coating. Velvetene was selected as a chance seedling from within Saltene™ in Western Australia. The selection was more dominant than Saletene under WA's harsh conditions and produced smaller leaver and shorter internodes than the latter (Loch and Roche, 2003).
Interestingly, in studies conducted by Loch and Roche (2003) TFWA02 was noted as having between 2 and 4 digitate to sub-digitate spikes (inflorescence). Any greater than 2 was pretty much unheard of at the time, even to experts in their field in the USA e.g. Dr R. Duncnan. Both TFWA02 and Saltene were observed to have up to 4 spikes present. Seashore paspalum can be irrigated with varied water quality; alternative water sources such as effluent, reclaimed or brackish may be used as an irrigation source. Seashore paspalum looks great when mown; you can even "stripe it up" with a standard rotary push mower. However, in Queensland, diseases like dollar spot and spring dead patch are troublesome and prolific. For the average homeowener, seashore paspalum can be difficult to maintain.
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.
