26 



Bulletin 65, Hawaii experiment station 



No. 24. LOLIUM M ULTIFLO RUM (6, p. 138) 

 Common name: Italian ryegrass 



Italian ryegrass was originally described from Europe (6, p. IS+i), 

 being a native of Italy. It was recorded in Hawaii in 1903. It is one 

 of the oldest of the cultivated 'grasses and together with perennial 

 (English) ryegrass (Lolium perenne) occupies an important place in 

 European agriculture. In Hawaii the grass is considered valuable on 



•Figure 24. — Lolium multiflorum 



the Parker and the Shipman ranches in both wet and, dry districts at 

 the higher elevations. It is an erect, short-lived perennial, 2 to 3 feet 

 tall. It is usually grown, in combination with other grasses and with 

 clovers. It Teseeds well and if allowed to rest occasionally will. grow 

 permanently on the upper areas. It is very palatable, and is-ncar-iy as 

 valuable as bromegrass, although not so widespread. Italian ryegrass 

 can be distinguished from English ryegrass by its awns. The two spe- 

 cies are of practically equal value. A species known as darnel (L. 

 temulentum) has also been reported as growing in Hawaii. It is poison- 

 ous and is regarded as a pest. 



