290 CHAPTER XVII 



cut before lodging, which takes place very readily. Although 

 it apparently does not set seed in the Union — the growing 

 season being insufficiently long — it frequently reaches the 

 flowering stage. 



It is best suited to parts having a warm growing season 

 and a summer rainfall, and has been unfavourably reported on 

 in parts having less than 10 inches of rainfall and in colder 

 parts of high altitude. Nevertheless, it is probably the most 

 drought resistant of the grasses commonly cultivated in South 

 Africa. It remains green until severe frosts occur, and com- 

 mences to grow earlier in the spring than the veld grasses. 

 In the Eastern Province and in Zululand it is said to remain 

 green throughout the year, and in parts of Natal it seems to 

 become naturalised. 



Soils. — Kikuyu will do well on moist soils. At the Dry- 

 land Station at Pretoria it has given a growth, on a poor sandy 

 soil, of three feet in height. While it gives very good results 

 on a poor sandy soil, and in some parts often having less than 

 20 inches of rainfalls, the optimum conditions for its growth 

 are found on rich moist soils. On poor soils it responds 

 readily to kraal manure, and doubtless to phosphates where 

 the latter are deficient. 



Feeding Value and Composition. 



While recent analyses show a variable protein content, in 

 the absence of digestion trials it must be looked upon as very 

 much more nutritious than teff or Boer manna and nearly 

 equal to lucerne. Judging from its chemical analysis, it is 

 outstandingly the most nutritious of grasses grown in South 

 Africa. The experience of farmers who have grown Kikuyu 

 on a large scale bears out this opinion as well. 



It is apparently very palatable, as it is eagerly eaten by 

 all classes of stock and is pastured in preference to green barley 

 or rye. It is naturally adapted to grazing, as it is not injured 

 by close grazing and stands tramping well. 



