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I don't think so, but just to make sure, do you have a Latin name for me, I?

Phragmites australis

Nope.

You are then probably revering to Vetiver grass. (Chrysopogon zizanioides).

That one is not indigenous though.

BTW, isn't Phragmites Australis also not indigineous?

Boss!! Indeed it is not indigenous, but it is planted in SA.


http://www.hydromulch.co.za/vetiver-grass.htm



There are twelve known varieties of vetiver grass, the most important is Vetiveria zizanioides. For centuries the oil extract from the roots of V.zizanioides has been used in the perfume trade. Indigenous peoples have recognized vetiver for its medicinal uses, for thatching, mulch, and feed, and for soil and moisture conservation. In more modern times (1950s) the sugar industry used vetiver grass quite widely as contour conservation hedges and for the stabilization of road sides and embankments. Vetiver once thought to be confined to wetlands thrives over a range of ecological conditions.

http://www.vetiver.org/TVN_technology.htm

IB

Very much indigenous ... but it is also the plant with the most widespread distribution in the entire world, occurring almost across the globe. The exception is areas with permanent or severe ice.


By the end of the winter the game ranger surveyed an area and saw large stands of Fine thatching grass (hyparrhenia filipendula), Red grass (Themeda triandra) and Broom love grass (Eragrostis pallens).

What does that tell him and what might his next management step be ... explain.

The Red Grass standing in such thick patches will be a sign of the veld being in good condition while the Fine Thatching Grass as well as the Broom Love Grass are now highly un-palatable and will generally not be eaten any more.

This can now be regarded as moribund if these grasses are at the end of their life-cycle, thus no longer playing a role in seed dispersal etc.

Thus the best would be to burn the area to get rid of the old growth. Red Grass also does well when burnt. The new shoots of all these species will be highly palatable and will attract plenty of grazers!

100%

You are IT!

PL Back with a bang, I see; and armed with mind-boggling knowledge!

PL!

pantera leo

when is the best time to burn?

Hiya, shortly before rains are expected. I'm not too much in favour of burning... Too many negatives. But then, what do I know??

Scientists nowadays think differently. A new line of thought re burning.

I see the clever Bosnimfie is here. She'll tell you more. In fact, she can quote from her dissertation.

Great question

PL