38 BULLETIN 65, HAWAII EXPERIMENT STATION 



No. 36. PENNISETUM CLANDESTINUM 

 Common name: Kikuyu 



Kikuyu grass has been tested extensively in Australia, particularly 

 in New South Wales, and also in South Africa and east Africa (1, p. 

 95). It was introduced into Hawaii from California in 1924. It is a 

 perennial with vigorous surface and underground runners. It some- 

 times grows 3 feet high on rich soil with ample moisture, but usually 

 is 12 inches high or less. It seldom seeds in Hawaii and is propagated 

 entirely from cuttings. It forms a sod not easily trampled out, and 



Figure 36. — Pennisetum clandestinum 



withstands grazing. Kikuyu grass spreads very rapidly and holds its 

 own against practically all other grasses. In South Africa it is said 

 to grow satisfactorily with white clover. Opinions of its palatability 

 differ, some ranchmen stating that cattle eat it readily, others be- 

 lieving that stock must acquire a liking for it. 



In Hawaii, the grass is being planted from sea level to 6,000 feet in 

 elevation. It is thriving at the latter altitude, and is said not to be 

 affected by the light frosts there. It is too early to predict the future 

 of kikuyu grass in Hawaii, but. unless it shows some undesirable fea- 

 ture it will be planted widely to supplant some less desirable kinds. 

 In Australia it is being substituted for Dallis grass (Paspalum dilata- 

 tum) because it grows more rapidly. 



