A tall, robust subtropical (C4) perennial grass which is common in many North Island home lawns and pastures. In pasture it can grow well over summer, however it performs poorly in the winter.

   

Identification

It has broad leaves; often with crinkled and/or red-purple margins. Short rhizomes join the plants together to form dense clumps. At the base of the leaf it has a membranous ligule which has a tuft of hairs on either side of it.

 

Characteristics

Good heat and drought tolerance but poor feed quality in late summer, and little winter growth.