GRASSES. 291 



Cultural Methods. — It is propagated vegetatively by 

 planting cuttings of culms or rhizomes, which are character- 

 istic for the long time — from 4 to 6 weeks — during which they 

 remain capable of growing after having been cut or dug up. 

 Good soil preparation is necessary. One of the most successful 

 methods of planting is to throw the cuttings or rhizomes into 

 every third furrow opened by a single-furrow plough, and then 

 cover lightly with the subsequent fun-ow. This should be done 

 during the rainy season. If planted in November or December 

 the ground will often be entirely covered by winter. It is 

 quick-spreading and very aggressive, more so than Quick, 

 when grown in competition with other grasses. It forms a 

 heavy matted growth in a few months. 



As its growth is very vigorous, it usually becomes " sod- 

 bound " about the fourth year after planting. To remedy this 

 condition it is necessary to plough it over every four years, after 

 which it soon re-establishes itself. No further cultivation is 

 necessary. 



Because of its heavy growth, it is exhaustive on soils, and 

 where economically possible should be fertilised with phosphates 

 and with available kraal or stable manure. From 10 to 20 

 bags of cuttings or rhizomes are required to plant an acre. 



General. — Because of the longevity of the rhizomes or 

 runners when ploughed or dug up, it is likely to prove a 

 troublesome weed, and for that reason should not be planted 

 on land required subsequently for other crops. 



It is fast becoming the most popular lawn grass in South 

 Africa, because it remains green longer than Germiston or 

 Bermuda grasses and because of the better colour. However, 

 it soon invades flower beds, and should not be used in close 

 proximity to these. 



In rich soil having plenty of moisture it is valuable as a 

 summer soiling crop. 



It has proved useful as a soil binder on dam walls, and 

 also on loose sandy soil, and in preventing erosion in dongas. 

 Further, it can be recommended as a grass for planting in 

 poultry runs ; fowls seem very fond of the leaves. Owing to 

 its aggi'essive nature, it can withstand the ravages of the fowls 

 scratching, etc. 



Dlseases and Pests. — No serious diseases or pests have 

 so far been reported. 



