RANGE GRASSES OF HAWAII 



33 



No. 31. PASPALUM DILATATUM (6, p. 180) 

 Common names: Dallis grass, Australian water grass, paspalum grass 



Paspalum dilatatum is a native of South America (6, p. 181). It is 

 generally distributed throughout the Tropics and sub-Tropics of 

 both hemispheres. It was collected in Hawaii in 1911, and is now 

 generally scattered over all the islands, from sea level to 5,000 feet. 

 Dallis grass is a perennial, semierect, and 1 to 2>)'i feet tall. It is 

 decidedly bunching in habit of growth and spreads slowly. It is hardy, 



Figure 31. — Paspalum dilatatum 



thriving under wet conditions but is fairly resistant to drought. 

 Under proper conditions it will slowly crowd out Hilo grass. It is one 

 of the most palatable of grasses. Cattle readily fatten on it in all 

 seasons. It withstands heavy grazing and is a valuable hay and 

 pasture grass. Dallis grass has been widely planted on the ranches 

 of the Territory in the last 15 or 20 years, and has proved a valuable 

 addition to the pasture mixtures. It is not being planted extensively 

 at present because managers feel that it spreads rather slowly and 

 does not quickly recover after having been grazed. However, because 

 of its excellent palatability, resistance to drought, and ability to 

 thrive under wet conditions, it is worthy of a place on the lower levels 

 where succulent grasses such as bluegrass, bromegrass, ryegrass, and 

 mesquite grass do not grow readily. 



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