Melinis minutiflora

Whynne grass, molasses grass

Spreading perennial forming large tussocks with hairy stems, sometimes up to 180 cm high, and leaves that are reddish, sticky and strong-smelling. Wide variations in vigour; leafiness, hairiness and growth habit. Grows in areas with annual rainfall of 800-1800 mm on well-drained sites protected from overgrazing. Valued as an easily established (by sowing) and productive grass of acceptable nutritive value; also used for soil conservation on steep slopes with poor soils. Resistant to drought but not to fire or waterlogging. Continues to grow throughout the year with some rainfall. Must be well established before grazing. Palatable to cattle once they become used to the smell. Reported to repel insects and snakes and to be useful for controlling ticks.

							As % of dry matter
						DM	CP	CF	Ash	EE	NFE	Ref
Fresh, pasture, fertilized,
Puerto Rica						25.6	9.0	36.5	7.8	3.0	44.7	32
Hay, leaves, pre-bloom,
60 cm, Lao						90.5	13.8	32.3	7.4	4.1	42.4	95
Hay, stem, pre-bloom,
60 cm, Lao						89.6	10.5	33.7	10.2	3.1	42.5	"
Hay, late vegetative, India						91.2	4.4	37.8	8.8	1.0	48.0	436
Hay, mid-bloom, India						91.3	4.2	36.8	10.1	1.1	47.8	"
Stem-cured, Kenya						88.9	6.1	32.3	8.4	1.7	51.5	481
							Digestibility (%)
					Animal		CP	CF	EE	NFE	ME	Ref
Pasture					Sheep		42.0	61.0	48.0	51.0	1.89	32
Hay, late vegetative					Cattle		37.0	64.0	11.0	62.0	2.03	436
Hay, mid-bloom					Cattle		31.0	62.0	14.0	58.0	1.89	"
Stem-cured					Sheep		45.6	44.2	33.2	51.8	1.64	481