Axonopus scoparius

Imperial grass

Densely tufted perennial forming large tussocks, 1-1.5 m high, with big blunt-ended hairy leaves. Grows best in areas of high rainfall, but tolerates drought on deep soils. Prefers well-drained soils. Tolerant of high and low temperatures (down to 0 C). Used mainly as silage grass or for zero-grazing, as it gives high yields and is persistent only when cut. The succulent stems readily eaten by cattle at practically all stages of growth. Clones available that are resistant to the bacterial disease caused by Xanthomonas. Planted by rooting stem cuttings or pieces of stolon.