Brachiaria subquadripara

Botanical Description

Brachiaria subquadripara is an annual to short-lived perennial grass, foring a clump of slender, straggling culms 25 - 60cm tall; the culms usually form roots on their lower nodes[ 1140 Title Brachiaria, Urochloa (Gramineae-Paniceae) in Malesia Publication Blumea 41 pp 413-437 1996 Author Veldkamp J.F. Publisher Year 1996 ISBN Description A paper transferring various Brachiaria species to Urochloa, it also gives information on plant uses. ]. The plant is used as a ground cover, especialy in plantations, and also as a binder on sandy soils. It is sometimes cultivated as a lawn-grass, where it may become a troublesome weed because of its rampant habit[ 1140 Title Brachiaria, Urochloa (Gramineae-Paniceae) in Malesia Publication Blumea 41 pp 413-437 1996 Author Veldkamp J.F. Publisher Year 1996 ISBN Description A paper transferring various Brachiaria species to Urochloa, it also gives information on plant uses. ]. This species has an extensive distribution range. It is a widespread weed that is common in its natural range and has been introduced in some countries (e.g. Fiji Islands, Solomon Islands) and in those countries it has become invasive. The population is currently believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ]. Brachiaria distachya is a very aggressive plant, especially in humid areas and wetlands. It has escaped from cultivation and become a weed in many parts of the tropics and is likely to become a threat in disturbed wetlands, riparian habitats, and dune systems by altering these ecosystems, displacing native species, or threatening local populations. Because it is highly competitive and produces a large volume of biomass, the species reduces species diversity and the functional diversity of indigenous macrophytes. Its allelopathic components, resistance to long periods of drought, and high germination capacity in low light conditions increase its competitive ability. When it forms extensive mats it impacts the native diversity of plants and also of fishes. Commonly invasive along margins of lakes and multiple use reservoirs, the presence of this species in water bodies generates water loss by transpiration, reduces water flow in canals, increases siltation, and generates higher maintenance costs[ 1093 Title Invasive Species Compendium Publication Author Website http://www.cabi.org Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc). ].