Eragrostis curvula (African Lovegrass)

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Pest Plant ACT. General biosecurity duty NSW with additional restrictions in the South East region.

http://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au/Weeds/Details/3

African Lovegrass is so well established in South Canberra and along the Murrumbidgee, that control in these areas is within a triage mode of largely just looking after areas of high conservation value. It is spread by wind, mowing, animals and water. Within Canberra Nature Park and more widely in the Majura and Jerrabomberra valleys, where mowing has been more restricted, there is still the opportunity of more widespread successful control. We particularly want any sightings from these areas.

The curling tip to the leaves and the 30cm long brached grey-green to purplish-grey seed head, with small yellow to brown seeds are its most distinctive features.

Leaves are 20 -35cm long, 3-5mm wide, blue-green to dark-green, rough to touch (running down towards the base), margins may be rolled in, the tip is usually bleached and curled. Sheaths are hairy, typically straw coloured to purplish. The ligule is a ring of hairs than 2mm long.

African lovegrass can germinate at any time of the year but typically it will germinate in autumn or spring when moisture is sufficient and temperatures exceed 10°C. Growth of seedlings is relatively slow for the first six weeks. Flowering can occur from early summer and ripe seeds may be present from January to March. In coastal regions the plant can flower all year, but this occurs predominantly in the warmer months.

Seed has an inherent dormancy, which is broken after 5–6 months. Seed germination declines with age; however some seed can remain viable for up to 17 years. Seeds germinate slowly and the plants have poor seedling vigour, making them susceptible to competition from other pastures species, or shading form trees. Plant growth slows when temperatures decline in autumn and winter. Although the plant is susceptible to frosting it remains alive and will regrow again as temperatures increase. Seed spread is enhanced by drought conditions and over-grazing. Paddocks with low ground cover are more susceptible to invasion.

Further references: Agriculture Victoria

African lovegrass is also a very diificult grass to deal with in a fire situation when there are large dense patches of it. See this short video of a Lovegrass Fire Demonstration at Bredbo.

Eragrostis curvula is listed in the following regions: