Brachiaria reptans (L.) Gardner & Hubbard

Graminae 

Synonyms: Urochloa reptans (L.) Stapf

Common names: Running grass


Brachiaria reptans

Description

Decumbent annual, 15-60 cm high rooting at nodes. Leaf-blades ovate-lanceolate, 2-8 cm long and 3-17 mm wide. Inflorescence of 5-16 cm racemes on an axis 1-8 cm long; racemes 1-4 cm in length with a triquetrous rhachis. Spikelets, glabrous, narrowly ovate, 1.5-2.2 mm long, borne in pairs and crowded on the rhachis.

Habitat

Roadside and undisturbed ground.

Altitude range

0-400 m.

Distribution

Kenya; also from United Republic of Tanzania, tropical Asia and introduced throughout the tropics.

Use

Palatable but not productive.
 


Edited by: F. Guiso Gallisai
Information taken from: Ibrahim, K. M., Kabuye, C. H. S. 1988. An illustrated manual of Kenya grasses. Rome, FAO. 765 pp.