Paspalum dilatatum is a species of grass known by the common name dallisgrass,[1] Dallas grass, or sticky heads. It is native to Brazil and Argentina, but it is known throughout the world as an introduced species and at times a common weed. Its rapid growth and spreading rhizomes make it an invasive pest in some areas.[2] It is present in the southern half of North America, southern Europe, much of Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and many tropical and subtropical areas.
| Paspalum dilatatum | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Subfamily: | Panicoideae |
| Genus: | Paspalum |
| Species: | P. dilatatum
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| Binomial name | |
| Paspalum dilatatum | |
Paspalum dilatatum is a food source for several avian species, including the long-tailed widowbird.
The common name dallisgrass was derived from A. T. Dallis, a 19th-century farmer who grew the species extensively near La Grange, Georgia.[3]
Description
editThis is a perennial bunch grass forming dense, stiff clumps in the soil and spreading outward. It grows decumbent in a mat or erect to well over 1 m (3 ft) tall. The leaves are mostly hairless, growing up to 35 cm (14 in) long and 2.5 cm (1 in) wide. The inflorescence is divided into a few branches lined neatly with beadlike pairs of green to purple spikelets.
References
edit- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Paspalum dilatatum". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
- ^ "UC Davis Dallisgrass Pest Notes". Archived from the original on 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2009-12-13.
- ^ Hitchcock, Albert S. (1971). Manual of the grasses of the United States, Volume 2. Dover Publications. p. 615.
External links
edit
- (Dallis poisoning Cattle)
- "Paspalum dilatatum". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture.
- Jepson Manual Treatment
- Grass Manual Treatment
- Photo gallery
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